The battle for the foldable smartphone market has intensified sharply in the run-up to Apple’s launch. On 7 September, Huawei and Xiaomi simultaneously unveiled their new flagship foldable models, in an attempt to establish itself in the premium segment ahead of the expected launch of the first foldable iPhone. Huawei has unveiled Mate XT2 — a smartphone with a display that folds in two places and, when fully unfolded, effectively turns into a small tablet. Xiaomi has taken a more traditional approach and unveiled a clamshell Xiaomi 18 Fold, focusing on performance, a large battery and a compact design.
- Huawei has unveiled the Mate XT2, a dual-folding smartphone.
- Its price starts at around $2980.
- The Xiaomi 18 Fold will cost from around $1540.
- Xiaomi has launched a 6,000 mAh battery.
- Apple may unveil its first foldable device as early as 9 September.
The Huawei Mate XT2 folds in half and costs nearly $3000
The most unusual new product was Huawei Mate XT2. Its large, flexible display has two fold lines, allowing the device to be used in several different configurations — from a smartphone to a tablet.
The model has been fitted with a new processor Kirin 9050 Pro, a redesigned hinge, improved water resistance and updated cameras. Huawei also offers a version with privacy screen, which narrows the viewing angles: it is more difficult for people sitting to the side to see the information on the screen.
Huawei states that the overall performance of the Mate XT2 is approximately 42% higher, compared with its predecessor. This is the company’s own assessment; independent tests of the device have yet to reveal the actual difference.
The price also underlines the smartphone’s premium status:
- basic version — 19,999 yuan, approximately $2980;
- top — 24,999 yuan, approximately $3725.
Sales in China are set to begin 12 September.
The Xiaomi 18 Fold is almost half the price
Xiaomi has unveiled a more conventional clamshell-style foldable smartphone — Xiaomi 18 Fold.
When closed, it functions as a compact smartphone, and when opened, it offers 7.58-inch internal OLED display. The external screen has a diagonal of approximately 5.38 inches.
One of its distinctive features is the wide body shape — the aspect ratio is close to 1.4:1. As a result, the internal display is more like a small tablet and is better suited to watching videos, reading and using several apps at once.
When unfolded, the smartphone can display the following at the same time up to three applications.
A 6,000 mAh battery and Xiaomi’s own processor
Another strong point of the Xiaomi 18 Fold is its battery.
The smartphone has been equipped with a silicon-carbon battery with a capacity of 6,000 mAh, which is a high figure for a foldable device. Fast wired and wireless charging are supported.
Performance is handled by its own processor XRing O3. Xiaomi continues to reduce its reliance on third-party chip developers, whilst simultaneously developing its own semiconductor platform.
The camera consists of three modules and was developed as part of a partnership Xiaomi and Leica.
The prices are significantly lower than Huawei’s:
from 10,999 yuan — approximately $1540, whilst the most expensive configuration costs approximately $2100.
Pre-orders in China will begin on 10 September. The company has not yet announced the global launch of the Xiaomi 18 Fold.
Huawei dominates the Chinese foldable market
One particularly important factor is Huawei’s position in its home market.
According to data from Smart Analytics Global, as reported by Reuters, in the second quarter of 2026 Huawei controlled approximately 68% shipments of foldable smartphones in China.
Across the entire Chinese smartphone market, Huawei was also the market leader with a share of 22,6%, whilst Apple had 18.1% and Xiaomi had 12.4%, according to IDC.
It is China that could become one of the key battlegrounds for Apple if the company does indeed unveil its first foldable iPhone.
Apple may respond as early as 9 September
The most interesting thing about the launch of Huawei and Xiaomi is that it took place just before Apple’s presentation on 9 September.
One of the main highlights of the event is expected to be the first foldable iPhone. Analysts are forecasting the price over $2500, which will place it between the Xiaomi 18 Fold and the most expensive versions of the Huawei Mate XT2.
Apple has not yet officially confirmed the foldable iPhone itself, its name or its specifications, so until the launch, this information remains the subject of market speculation.
According to analysts’ forecasts, Apple’s entry into the market could significantly transform the entire sector. Foldable devices currently remain a niche segment of global smartphone sales, but the launch of the iPhone could dramatically boost interest in this form factor.
Samsung is still in the running too
At a global level, the key player in the sector remains Samsung with the series Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip.
It is Samsung that has been promoting foldable smartphones outside China for years, whilst Huawei, due to US restrictions, is focusing much more heavily on the Chinese market.
Competition is now becoming more widespread:
Samsung — extensive experience and global distribution;
Huawei — dual-fold technology and market dominance in China;
Xiaomi — a lower price and impressive specifications;
Apple — a potentially vast ecosystem of iPhone users.
If expectations regarding the first foldable iPhone are confirmed on 9 September, the foldable smartphone market could receive its biggest boost ever.
Xiaomi, Huawei or the upcoming iPhone Fold — who’s in the best position?
On paper, Xiaomi is making a very competitive offer: 6,000 mAh, large OLED screen, proprietary processor and a price starting from $1540.
Huawei is in a league of its own. The Mate XT2 is more of a technological showcase of the company’s capabilities, with a price tag of nearly $3000.
Apple is unlikely to try to outdo its competitors with the highest specs. Reuters reports that expectations for the first foldable iPhone centre more on the quality of the hinge, the minimal crease in the display and the device’s integration into the Apple ecosystem.
So the real battle is only just beginning.
It will become clear in the coming days whether Apple, which has entered the foldable segment considerably later than Huawei, Samsung and Xiaomi, to transform foldable smartphones from an expensive niche into a new mainstream premium format.
