How are Apple’s expected first foldable iPhone launch at its September 9, 2026 event and Huawei Technologies’ unveiling of the Mate XT 2 in Shenzhen on September 7—an upgrade to its flagship tri-fold smartphone, following the international launch of the world’s first tri-fold pho

The two launches could stimulate upgrades in the premium end of a weak market by making foldable and tri-fold designs a focal point of competition, rather than relying solely on incremental slab-phone updates. Their broader effect is likely limited, however: foldables remain a niche—about 1.3% of global smartphone sales—so they are more likely to lift revenue, attention and high-end mix than fully reverse an estimated 17% 2026 shipment decline. 411

• Huawei is expected to unveil the Mate XT 2 in Shenzhen on September 7, updating its flagship tri-fold model after taking the original Mate XT internationally—the first tri-fold handset to be sold globally. The product is intended to reinforce Huawei’s lead in the multi-fold category and prompt premium replacements. 11

• Apple’s expected first foldable iPhone on September 9 is potentially more consequential for category adoption because Apple’s entry could bring its large installed base, developer ecosystem and carrier distribution to foldables. Analysts nevertheless describe the device as expected or potential; Apple’s event invitation itself does not confirm the product lineup. 17

• Apple is also expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, alongside other new iPhone models; reporting also points to new Apple Watches. 38

• The showcase will be the first major Apple product keynote of incoming CEO John Ternus’s tenure, following his succession from Tim Cook on September 1. It is therefore both a product launch and an early test of whether Ternus can use a major new hardware category to refresh Apple’s growth narrative. 212