Huawei is preparing to make a bold return in the foldable smartphone segment, and its timing couldn’t be more calculated. The company has officially confirmed that it will introduce its next-generation tri-fold handset, the Mate XTs, on September 4, 2025.

Strategic launch timing

The launch comes just a day before IFA 2025 opens in Berlin, and only days ahead of Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ reveal on September 9. Samsung, meanwhile, has also announced its Galaxy Unpacked Event on September 4, making Huawei’s decision to go early a clear attempt to grab attention before the spotlight shifts to its biggest rivals.

Evolution from the Huawei Mate XT

The Mate XTs succeeds Huawei’s original Mate XT — the industry’s first tri-folding smartphone — which stunned the market with its unconventional design. Until now, foldables have typically followed two formats: the book-style fold seen on larger models or the compact clamshell design.

Huawei broke new ground by adding a third hinge, allowing the device to open into a wider, more natural display shape rather than the square-like screens common in earlier foldables.

Stylus support and productivity focus

Stylus support is shaping up to be one of the Mate XTs’ headline features. A clip shared by Huawei executive Richard Yu on Weibo showed the device being used with the company’s M-Pencil, sparking speculation that Huawei intends to position the handset as more than just a futuristic foldable.

With pen input, the Mate XTs could appeal to professionals and creatives by offering a productivity experience closer to that of a tablet or laptop, opening new possibilities for sketching, note-taking and multitasking.

Design and display

In terms of design, leaks indicate the phone will retain Huawei’s signature Z-fold mechanism, enabling multiple usage modes depending on how far the screen is opened.

The device is expected to feature a continuous OLED display that bends twice — compact when folded and expansive when fully unfolded. Reports also point to a fresh purple finish joining the existing colour options.

Hardware and software expectations

Hardware specifics remain under wraps, though speculation suggests the Mate XTs could house a battery exceeding 6,000mAh to cope with the demands of its large screen and folding mechanism.

The handset will reportedly ship with HarmonyOS 5.1 preinstalled. As with recent Huawei flagships, US sanctions mean the device is unlikely to use Qualcomm or MediaTek processors, instead relying on in-house chipsets developed with Chinese partner SMIC.

Pricing and market position

Pricing will also be closely watched. The first Mate XT debuted at nearly $3,000, a premium that kept it out of reach for most buyers. This time, rumours suggest Huawei could cut the cost to around $2,000 (approximately ₹1.75 lakh).

While still on the higher side, such pricing would make the Mate XTs more competitive as foldable devices gradually edge into the mainstream.