In a closely watched event, tech behemoths Huawei and Apple kicked off sales for their latest flagship smartphones in China on Friday, generating significant enthusiasm among consumers. Both companies have long been dominant players in the premium smartphone market, and the release of their new devices highlights the fierce competition at the high end of the spectrum.
Huawei introduced its highly anticipated triple-fold Mate XT smartphone, while Apple rolled out its iPhone 16 series. Both devices were met with considerable consumer demand, a testament to each brand’s loyal following and the intense rivalry that exists between the two tech giants.
Huawei’s new Mate XT officially became available for purchase at 10:08 am on Friday, with every model selling out within moments of the release. According to the company’s official website, the stock was depleted almost instantly, leaving potential buyers waiting for the next restock, which is scheduled for 10:08 am on Saturday. Despite the rain, a sizable crowd of eager customers gathered outside Huawei’s flagship store in downtown Shanghai.
“I was waiting to grab one at 10:08, but they were gone in seconds. I am mainly interested in the triple-fold screen and eager to experience the breakthrough in Huawei’s technology for myself,”
shared a customer surnamed Wang.
In light of the overwhelming demand, a Huawei staff member informed the Global Times that although pre-orders were no longer available and the store had no remaining stock, customers were still invited to queue up and explore the new devices. Despite the scarcity, many were eager to get a firsthand look at the innovative features the Mate XT offers.
Prior to the device’s launch, over 6.85 million people had registered for a chance to purchase the phone. Huawei’s executive director, Yu Chengdong, disclosed that demand for the Mate XT far surpassed expectations. As a result, the team has been working overtime to ramp up production, according to Jiefang Daily.
Simultaneously, Apple commenced sales of its iPhone 16 series across its Chinese retail outlets. At a store in Beijing’s Sanlitun district, around 200 customers were spotted waiting to collect their newly released devices as of midday Friday.
A customer, surnamed Liu, had pre-ordered the highest specification of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Liu noted,
“I value Apple’s ecosystem. While the upgrades may not be as groundbreaking as Huawei’s, it doesn’t deter me from getting a new iPhone.”
His sentiments reflect the deep loyalty many Apple users have toward the brand, with its ecosystem of interconnected devices and services playing a key role in maintaining a solid customer base.
Industry experts have been quick to weigh in on the significance of these simultaneous launches. Both devices represent cutting-edge technological advancements, offering consumers a choice between two of the most advanced smartphones currently available. The timing of the launches, just ahead of the busy holiday shopping season, adds an additional layer of intrigue as both companies vie for market dominance.
Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, commented on the appeal of both brands, explaining that the two companies cater to different consumer priorities.
“Huawei has always been known for its strong research and development capabilities and innovative strength, which is an important selling point for Chinese consumers who support domestic technology. On the other hand, Apple boasts a well-established ecosystem, where seamless connectivity and collaboration between services provide users with a more convenient and efficient experience,”
Wang explained.
This head-to-head competition between Huawei and Apple is especially significant as both companies have historically been seen as leaders in pushing the boundaries of mobile technology. Huawei’s focus on innovation is evident in the Mate XT’s triple-fold design, which is a clear step forward in smartphone engineering, while Apple’s incremental improvements on its iPhone 16 series appeal to users who value a robust, cohesive ecosystem over flashy new hardware features.
