Huawei is reportedly preparing a successor to the Mate XT, the world’s first commercially available tri-fold smartphone, which made its debut in September 2024. While its unconventional design drew mixed reactions, the Mate XT made headlines for pushing the boundaries of what a smartphone form factor can be—and now, Huawei appears ready to double down.
According to a post from reliable industry leaker Digital Chat Station, the second-generation Mate XT is set to launch in the second half of 2025. If Huawei follows its previous timeline, the new model could be unveiled as early as September.
The upcoming device is expected to retain the same tri-fold display technology as its predecessor. However, improvements are reportedly on the way in other key areas, most notably the chipset and camera system. While the exact specifications remain under wraps, the upgrade will likely involve a newer Kirin or Qualcomm SoC, offering better performance and efficiency, as well as a revised camera array to keep up with industry trends.
Huawei is also said to be refining the accessories for its tri-fold device. The original Mate XT shipped with a variety of unique add-ons, including a rotating aramid fiber case that doubles as a multi-angle stand, and a foldable touch keyboard that turns the smartphone into a makeshift productivity hub. While it’s not yet clear whether new accessories will be added or existing ones improved, it’s evident Huawei is continuing to treat the Mate XT as more than just a hardware experiment.
Though the idea of a tri-fold phone still seems niche—especially outside China—the concept has garnered interest among early adopters looking for ultra-flexible screen real estate in a portable form factor. Huawei’s decision to develop a follow-up suggests that the Mate XT performed well enough to justify further R&D, at least within its current market scope.
The bigger question is whether the second-gen Mate XT will expand beyond a limited regional release. The original device was only available in China and a handful of select markets, making it more of a tech showcase than a global product. If Huawei plans to go broader this time, its tri-fold lineup could become a true wildcard in a smartphone market that’s otherwise playing it safe with incremental updates.
For now, the core takeaway is that Huawei isn’t done experimenting. The Mate XT sequel will aim to refine—not reinvent—the brand’s most ambitious form factor yet.
