Huawei's Tri-Fold Phone Spotted in the Wild, Production Rumored to Start Soon
Huawei appears to be on the verge of beating Samsung to market with the world's first tri-folding smartphone. Recent leaks and rumors suggest the innovative device could launch within the next few months, potentially revolutionizing the foldable phone market.
First Look at Huawei's Tri-Fold Design
A new image circulating online shows former Huawei CEO Richard Yu using what appears to be a tri-folding phone on an airplane. The device features:
- Two visible creases, indicating three separate display sections
- A centered punch-hole camera on the left side
- An estimated 10-inch internal display when fully unfolded
This sighting aligns with previous rumors from industry insiders about Huawei's tri-fold plans.
Production Reportedly Imminent
According to leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Huawei's tri-fold phone is set to enter production soon. Key details include:
- Launch potentially as early as September or October 2024
- Powered by Huawei's new Kirin 9-series chipset
- May beat the Mate 70 series to market
Overcoming Technical Hurdles
Recent reports suggest Huawei has cleared a significant durability milestone:
- Passed a 28μm test for screen durability
- New inside-out mechanism with dual hinges
- Focus on minimizing visible crease lines after repeated folding
Software Optimized for Tri-Fold Form Factor
The device is expected to run HarmonyOS Next, a new iteration of Huawei's operating system. This could enable:
- PC-level applications
- Blurring lines between phone, tablet, and laptop functionality
Market Impact and Availability
While Huawei may claim the world's first title for a tri-fold phone, there are important caveats:
- Limited availability outside of China due to ongoing trade restrictions
- Not officially sold in the US market
- Likely to carry a premium price tag, even compared to current foldables
The Road Ahead for Foldables
Huawei's tri-fold innovation could spark a new wave of development in the foldable phone space:
- Pressure on Samsung and others to accelerate their own tri-fold plans
- Potential for more affordable foldable options in the future
- Continued refinement of durability and usability in folding designs
As the foldable market matures, it will be fascinating to see how Huawei's tri-fold device performs and whether it can capture consumer interest despite its limited global availability.
 |
|---|
| The Galaxy Z Fold 6 signifies the current state of foldable technology, setting the stage for Huawei's upcoming tri-fold phone in an evolving market |