[News] Huawei Expected to Unveil Mate70 and Foldable Device Following Apple’s iPhone 16 Release

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On September 2, Huawei announced that it will hold its new product launch event on September 10, coinciding with Apple’s fall product launch, signaling the intense competition between these two smartphone giants. Richard Yu, Chairman of Huawei’s Consumer Business Group (BG), hinted at the unveiling of a “disruptive product” on that day.

Richard Yu described the product as a groundbreaking one that others may have envisioned but failed to create – an achievement of five years of dedication, which turns science fiction into reality.

He Gang, Huawei’s Consumer Business Group CEO, also emphasized the uniqueness of this upcoming product.

Per a report from the Economic Daily News, it is expected that Huawei will unveil its new flagship smartphone, the Mate70, at the upcoming product launch event, along with other new products such as a triple-foldable device and is anticipated to be priced over CNY 20,000 (approximately USD 2,800). This launch, hours after Apple’s event, is seen as a direct challenge to Apple’s new iPhone 16 series.

Notably, despite being restricted by U.S. sanctions from conducting business with Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturers, Huawei continues to collaborate closely with Taiwanese companies in key component areas not affected by these restrictions.

Among these, Largan Precision not only supplies the main camera lenses for the iPhone 16 series but also provides high-end camera lenses for Huawei’s flagship devices. With Huawei’s new product launch clashing with Apple’s, Largan Precision stands to benefit significantly from its role with both companies.

On the other hand, according to a report from Chinese media Sina, Huawei’s new patent for the triple-foldable device reveals additional design details, including three housings, two hinges, and a flexible screen.

The hinges allow the housings to fold and unfold relative to each other, with a special design that reduces thickness and weight when folded.

Huawei’s foldable devices primarily depend on key bearing components supplied by Fositek. Recently, Huawei is said to have extended its exclusive supply contract with Fositek, signaling that Fositek will exclusively provide bearings for Huawei’s triple-foldable device.

Compared to the traditional smartphone market, which easily reaches sales volumes of over one billion units, TrendForce estimated that the shipments of foldable phones are expected to reach 17.8 million units in 2024, making up only 1.5% of the smartphone market. Despite high repair rates and costs, market penetration is projected to climb to 4.8% by 2028.

Read more

• [News] Huawei’s Net Profit in 1H24 Hit Record High amid U.S. Sanctions, Surpassing CNY 50 Billion for the First Time
• [News] Huawei Unveils Tri-folding Phone Details, Reportedly Launching in September

(Photo credit: Huawei)