Apple’s recent launch of the iPhone 16 series has met with mixed reactions, particularly due to the delayed rollout of its AI features, while rival Huawei has made a bold move by unveiling its innovative tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT.The iPhone 16, designed to incorporate Apple’s new AI platform ‘Apple Intelligence’, promises enhanced capabilities including improved Siri functionality, AI-powered image editing, and text summarization. However, these features will not be immediately available at launch, instead rolling out through a phased approach starting with a beta release in October. This cautious strategy has drawn criticism, especially in markets outside the US and China.Meanwhile, Huawei has seized the opportunity to showcase its technological prowess with the Mate XT, the world’s first tri-fold smartphone. Priced between $2,800 and $3,650, the Mate XT features a 10.2-inch screen when fully unfolded and boasts AI-enabled translation, messaging, and photo editing capabilities. Despite its high price point, the phone has reportedly received over 4 million pre-orders, signaling strong interest in the Chinese market.The contrasting launches have highlighted shifting dynamics in the global smartphone market, particularly in China. Apple’s market share in China has declined significantly in the first half of 2024, while Huawei has seen growth despite facing U.S. sanctions. The lack of immediate AI features in the iPhone 16 for the Chinese market has drawn criticism from consumers and analysts alike.Despite these challenges, Apple’s iPhone 16 series does introduce notable hardware improvements, including larger screens for the Pro models and the new A18 Pro chip. The company has maintained its pricing strategy, with the base iPhone 16 starting at $799.As both companies prepare for their respective product releases on September 20, the smartphone industry watches closely to see how these contrasting strategies will play out in the competitive global market.
Key points
- Apple’s iPhone 16 launch faces criticism due to delayed AI feature rollout.
- Huawei unveils world’s first tri-fold smartphone, Mate XT, receiving over 4 million pre-orders.
- Apple’s market share in China declines while Huawei sees growth despite U.
- Both iPhone 16 and Mate XT set for release on September 20, intensifying market competition.
S.
sanctions.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting reports on the exact price of Huawei’s Mate XT, with sources citing ranges from $2,800 to $3,650.
👾The number of pre-orders for the Mate XT varies across reports, with figures ranging from 3.
4 million to over 4 million.
