Huawei Announces Mate XT 2 Tri‑Fold Smartphone with U‑Shaped Fold

Huawei is preparing the Mate XT 2, its third‑generation tri‑fold phone slated for a September‑October 2026 launch. A leaked 2023 patent shows the device will replace the earlier Z‑shaped hinge with a U‑shaped mechanism that tucks the entire flexible screen inside the body and adds a dedicated 6.5‑inch cover display. The phone is expected to run on a new Kirin 9050 Pro chipset, feature a 10‑inch main screen, a 6,000 mAh battery, and a dual‑camera system, and be priced around ¥19,999 (≈US$3,000). Huawei plans the release to compete with Apple’s rumored iPhone Ultra folding handset and to fill the market gap after Samsung discontinued its Galaxy Z TriFold in early 2026.

The design change also aims to improve durability, with a U‑shaped hinge that better protects the central screen from dust, scratches and impact. Huawei has reportedly upgraded its ultra‑thin glass (UTG) and hinge materials to raise impact resistance by about 30% over previous models. The device will ship with HarmonyOS 7 and is positioned as the primary active tri‑fold offering ahead of any future Samsung successors.