Huawei and Apple released their latest smartphones in China last Friday, sparking varied reactions. Many Huawei enthusiasts were upset because the anticipated $2,800 phone was unavailable for walk-in customers—more than double the iPhone 16 Pro Max price.
At Huawei’s flagship store in Shenzhen, “super fans” were frustrated that the new tri-foldable Mate XT could be purchased only by confirmed pre-orders.
The same was true in Beijing’s Huawei Wangfujing store; only customers with confirmed pre-orders could buy the phone, which folds like an accordion.
Analysts warned that supply chain issues could prevent many from purchasing Huawei Mate XT, and some questioned the high price amid a slow economy.
At the launch, Huawei executive director Richard Yu said the Mate XT turns “science fiction into reality.” Yet, the phone remains out of reach for many, with pre-orders exceeding 6.5 million—almost double last quarter’s global foldable phone shipments, per IDC.
Huawei has not required deposits for pre-orders nor disclosed the number of phones produced or available on launch day.
Meanwhile, Apple, now ranked sixth in China’s market, hasn’t announced the number of iPhones available or its AI partnership in China. Its AI software will only be available in China next year.
Huawei has garnered significant patriotic support in China, overcoming U.S. export controls that once crippled its smartphone business. The Mate XT launch showcases Huawei’s ability to navigate U.S. sanctions, although mass production remains a concern. A senior analyst, Lori Chang, noted potential production issues with the Mate XT’s key components.
