By On September 14, Huawei Technologies, one of China’s leading tech giants, announced its plans to host a media event on September 25. This announcement has sparked significant anticipation, as it is expected to shed light on the latest developments in Huawei’s product lineup, with a particular focus on their Mate 60 series. This series has garnered attention not only for its cutting-edge use of a domestically produced advanced chip but also because it represents Huawei’s earnest endeavor to recover from the crippling impacts of U.S. sanctions.
As of now, Huawei has not divulged specific details about the new products to be discussed during this event. However, reports from domestic business daily Yicai suggest that crucial information regarding their latest smartphones will indeed be disclosed. This move follows Huawei’s recent release of its high-end smartphones, the Mate 60 and Mate 60 Pro, which made their debut at the end of the previous month. Furthermore, Huawei commenced presales for the Mate 60 Pro+ smartphone, accompanied by the unveiling of a new foldable phone known as the Mate X5.
It’s worth noting that the launch of the Mate 60 series was somewhat unconventional compared to previous Huawei product releases. The company opted to forgo extensive pre-marketing campaigns or elaborate, glitzy launch events. Despite this, the Mate 60 series generated significant buzz, primarily due to its fortuitous timing coinciding with a visit to China by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Additionally, the Mate 60 Pro version attracted attention for incorporating a 5G-capable chip manufactured by a Chinese company.
The upcoming event carries more significant implications beyond unveiling new gadgets. With the backdrop of heightened tensions between the United States and China, the performance of Huawei’s smartphones against Apple’s offerings has become a matter of intense interest to both investors and China observers. Coincidentally, Apple recently launched its iPhone 15 series, receiving mixed reactions in China, its third-largest market. Some users praised Apple’s faster chip and improved gaming capabilities, while others expressed a preference for Huawei’s latest smartphone offerings.
Adding to Apple’s challenges in China, the Chinese government has expanded restrictions on the use of iPhones by state employees, instructing some not to use them during work hours. This move may impact Apple’s standing in the Chinese market, which it has long considered a crucial growth area.
Recent reports from the state-backed Securities Times indicate that Huawei has raised its shipment target for the Mate 60 series in the second half of the year by a significant 20%, driven by better-than-expected sales. This optimistic outlook reflects Huawei’s determination to rebound after witnessing its smartphone business severely affected following the U.S. government’s imposition of restrictions on tech exports to the company back in 2019.
It is worth noting that Huawei has faced allegations from the U.S. and other Western governments, which have labeled it a security risk. Huawei has consistently denied these accusations. In the wake of these controversies, Huawei has primarily sold limited batches of 5G models using stockpiled chips. The upcoming product event is seen as a pivotal moment for the company as it strives to regain its foothold in the global smartphone market while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.
