Huawei appears poised for a major hardware push later this year, with industry insiders pointing toward a dual launch event for its next-generation foldable flagship, the Mate XT 2, and a suite of high-end wearables. According to multiple sources familiar with Huawei’s roadmap, the showcase is tentatively scheduled for October or November 2024, aiming squarely at the lucrative holiday season.
The successor to last year’s Mate XT, the Mate XT 2 is expected to refine Huawei’s outward-folding display design rather than adopt the inward-fold trend dominating rivals. Early whispers suggest significant durability improvements for the hinge and ultra-thin glass (UTG), addressing common pain points in foldables. Under the hood, analysts anticipate Huawei’s in-house Kirin 9100S chipset – a performance boost over the XT’s 9000S – paired with enhanced satellite connectivity features for global travelers. Camera upgrades are also likely, potentially leveraging the computational photography prowess seen in the Pura 70 series.
But the phones aren’t stealing all the spotlight. Leaks strongly indicate Huawei will simultaneously unveil a new generation of its premium wearables. Details remain guarded, but speculation centers on two key products:
- Huawei Watch Ultimate 2: Building on the acclaimed dive-focused original, this iteration could push deeper water resistance ratings (beyond 110 meters) and introduce advanced health sensors like non-invasive blood glucose monitoring – a holy grail in wearable tech.
- Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3+: Expect flagship noise cancellation upgrades, potentially with "Adaptive Silence 3.0," and Hi-Res Audio Wireless support via a new near-lossless codec.
A recent flurry of activity on Chinese social media lends credence to the timeline. A notable leak, originating from a trusted tipster account on Weibo, showcased cryptic packaging labels hinting at "Project XT2" and "Wearable X Series." The now-viral Weibo post suggests internal testing is well underway, with mass production slated to ramp up by September.
Market analysts see this launch as critical for Huawei. While the company regained significant market share in China in 2023, largely fueled by the Mate 60 series, global expansion remains hampered by ongoing US trade restrictions. The Mate XT 2 and associated wearables represent a chance to solidify its premium brand image and showcase technological independence.
"The late 2024 push is strategic," commented tech analyst Ming Zhao. "Huawei needs to prove its foldable line is truly iterative and reliable long-term, not just novel. Pairing it with genuinely innovative wearables creates a compelling ecosystem pitch, especially in regions where its smartphones face limitations."
Pricing for the Mate XT 2 is expected to remain in the ultra-premium bracket, likely starting around $1,800. The new wearables would follow suit, positioning Huawei firmly against Apple and Samsung in the high-end accessory market. As autumn approaches, anticipation – and scrutiny – for Huawei’s next big reveal will only intensify.
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