Core Viewpoint - Huawei's launch of the second-generation tri-fold screen smartphone, Mate XTs, marks a significant advancement in the foldable smartphone market, driving technological innovation and supply chain upgrades across the industry [1][2]. Group 1: Product Launch and Features - Huawei officially launched the Mate XTs tri-fold screen smartphone on September 4, featuring the Kirin 9020 chip and the new Harmony operating system, resulting in a 36% performance improvement [1]. - The new smartphone will be available for the first time through Meituan's flash purchase platform, indicating a shift towards instant retail channels for product launches [1]. Group 2: Market Trends and Projections - The global foldable smartphone shipment increased by 45% year-on-year in Q2, driven by strong demand in the Chinese market, with Huawei being a key player [2]. - By the first half of 2025, China's foldable smartphone shipments are expected to reach 4.98 million units, with Huawei holding a 75% market share [2]. - The foldable smartphone market is anticipated to evolve from a niche "novelty" to a mainstream category, with prices expected to drop below 10,000 yuan by 2026 [2]. Group 3: Industry Dynamics and Competition - The introduction of tri-fold screen smartphones is prompting competitors like Samsung and Apple to accelerate their own development efforts in this segment [1]. - The complexity of tri-fold structures is driving upgrades in core components such as hinges and screens, with domestic suppliers entering Huawei's supply chain [4]. - The launch of the new tri-fold smartphone is seen as a reset of industry standards, pushing the market into a new competitive cycle focused on form, ecosystem, and supply chain integration [4].

Core Insights - By 2028, book-style foldable smartphone sales are expected to approach 4 million units, accounting for over 2% of total smartphone sales, with a nearly 10% market share in the high-end segment in Europe [1][9] - 2024 is a pivotal year for the European foldable smartphone market, with a projected 37% year-on-year growth in sales, driven primarily by book-style foldable models, which are expected to see a 60% increase [1][9] - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with Samsung's market share dropping from 98% in 2022 to 73% by the end of 2023 due to new entrants like Honor, Google, and others [2][3] Market Dynamics - Honor's Magic V2 has captured 27% of the European book-style foldable smartphone market, and the upcoming Magic V3 is anticipated to further enhance its position [3][6] - Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy Z Fold7 in July 2025, which is its thinnest and lightest foldable smartphone to date, potentially regaining market competitiveness [6][8] - Google and other manufacturers are also ramping up their efforts in the European foldable smartphone market, indicating a new phase of industry growth [7][9] Future Projections - Apple is expected to enter the foldable smartphone market in 2026, which will further intensify competition and potentially accelerate market growth [9] - Despite a projected decline in foldable smartphone sales in the first half of 2025 due to a lack of technological innovation and macroeconomic factors, a rebound is anticipated in the latter half of the year [9][10]