Apple’s first foldable iPhone, expected to launch in September 2026, is set to enter a highly competitive market. The main challenge will come from Chinese brands, especially Huawei, which is developing a high-end foldable device aimed at rivaling Apple’s upcoming offering.
Recent leaks from tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo reveal that one of China’s top five smartphone makers is testing a large-screen foldable. Although the manufacturer’s name is not explicitly given, strong evidence points to Huawei as the creator of this new device. The tipster also clarified that the device is different from Oppo’s Find N6, which had been previously rumored.
Huawei’s rumored foldable features a 7.6-inch main display and a 5.5-inch cover screen. Its aspect ratio approaches 14:10, providing a wider, more immersive screen than conventional vertical foldables. The device is expected to pack a flagship chipset, a periscope telephoto camera, and a battery capacity nearing 6,000mAh.
This wide horizontal foldable design is not new to Huawei. The company introduced the Pura X with a 6.3-inch OLED main screen and a 3.5-inch square cover display, experimenting with similar form factors. If the rumors hold true, Huawei’s new foldable would pioneer a wider-screen horizontal fold in the industry, directly targeting Apple’s anticipated 7.7-inch foldable iPhone.
Wide displays offer advantages for reading, video viewing, web browsing, and gaming. Users benefit from less scrolling and zooming, enhancing overall usability. Huawei’s Pura X demonstrates the concept well, delivering a workspace akin to a business-class laptop with its 16:10 folded-out ratio. This enables more comfortable typing, richer video experiences, and greater keyboard precision on-screen.
However, challenges remain for Huawei foldables outside China, primarily involving software and app compatibility. The Pura X runs Harmony Next OS without Google Mobile Services, limiting appeal in international markets. The new model likely faces similar constraints despite its promising hardware.
On the performance front, Huawei’s Kirin chipset ensures smooth operation. Combined with stylish, durable design and premium specs, the foldable targets the higher-end segment. The Pura X’s price, around $1,000, signals Huawei’s intent to compete strongly in the foldable premium smartphone category.
Competition in the foldable smartphone market is intensifying, as manufacturers innovate with new designs and advanced features. While Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to remain popular in the U.S., Huawei’s device offers a compelling alternative, at least within China. Huawei’s push on design innovation heightens global interest, setting the stage for a significant showdown.
The emergence of Huawei’s wide horizontal foldable underscores the challenges Apple faces in this market. Despite user anticipation for a high-quality foldable iPhone, global competition will strongly influence Apple’s strategy. The foldable segment continues to evolve rapidly, driven by form factor experimentation and expanding technological possibilities.
Apple’s launch next year marks a pivotal moment in mobile device evolution. Its foldable iPhone will help define the future trajectory of foldable tech worldwide. Meanwhile, rivals like Huawei push boundaries to capture market share with differentiated designs and appealing capabilities. This dynamic race promises exciting developments in the foldable smartphone space ahead.
