Shortly after Apple showed its newest iPhones, Huawei Technologies Co. made history by revealing the first-ever commercial gadget with two folds, establishing itself as a pioneer in mobile design.

The Mate XT trifold phone took more than five years to build and is priced at 19,999 yuan ($2,800). A 10-inch tablet can fit in its pocket. The gadget, which made its debut during a livestream event from Shenzhen, is meant to draw attention in China’s luxury sector, where Huawei has recently surpassed Apple in market share.

After introducing a ground-breaking mobile processor produced in China in August of last year, Huawei has returned with yet another innovation. It’s unclear, though, how much of an effect the pricey new phone will have on the market. While the majority of phone manufacturers concentrate on AI functions, Huawei stands out for emphasising hardware design.

Trifold phones have obstacles in becoming a significant growth driver because of their high cost, little competition, and complicated technology, according to IDC researcher Arthur Guo. Numerous phone manufacturers are delaying their foldable investments in anticipation of Apple perhaps drawing in more customers.

The value might go beyond sales for Huawei. The company’s development of domestic chips in face of US sanctions has elevated it to a national emblem of pride, driving robust sales over the past year.

The Mate XT has three modes: a standard smartphone, a nearly square foldable, and a full 10.2-inch tablet. When opened, the device measures just 3.6mm thick. Huawei’s Harmony OS powers it.

Huawei intends to take the lead in innovation, particularly in China, as seen by its choice to release the Mate XT immediately following Apple’s announcement of the iPhone 16.