• Huawei's launch of the $2,800 tri-foldable phone, the Mate XT, was met with disappointment due to its limited availability.
• Only customers with confirmed pre-orders could purchase the new Mate XT, leaving many Huawei "super fans" disgruntled.
• The Mate XT's limited availability comes amid warnings from analysts about potential supply chain constraints.
• Despite the initial disappointment, the launch underscores Huawei's ability to navigate U.S. sanctions, though its ability to mass-produce remains a concern.

In a recent turn of events, Huawei and Apple, two of the world's leading smartphone manufacturers, launched their latest devices in China. However, the much-anticipated launch was met with a wave of disappointment from Huawei enthusiasts, particularly due to the limited availability of the company's new $2,800 tri-foldable phone, the Mate XT.

The launch took place on Friday, and eager customers flocked to Huawei's flagship store in Shenzhen, a bustling city in southern China. However, their excitement was short-lived as they were informed that only those with confirmed pre-orders could purchase the new Mate XT. This unexpected revelation left many self-proclaimed Huawei super fans disgruntled.

Huawei Fans Express Disappointment

One such fan, a university student named Ye, expressed his disappointment. "I've been here since 10 p.m. last night because this tri-folding phone is a first and I'm excited to support our country. But this is very disappointing. They should have made it clear we can't buy."

Another consumer, Guo, who had taken a day off from his job in manufacturing to queue from Thursday night, echoed Ye's sentiments. "They didn't make it clear there'd be no phones. It's disappointing."

The situation was no different at the Huawei Wangfujing store in Beijing, where consumers were met with the same message - only those with confirmed pre-orders could buy the much-anticipated phone.

Supply Chain Constraints and Market Response

The Mate XT, which folds three ways like an accordion screen door, had been the talk of the town, and its limited availability left many potential buyers empty-handed. This disappointment comes on the heels of warnings from analysts about potential supply chain constraints that could affect the availability of the Mate XT. Huawei, however, did not disclose the number of phones produced or how many customers would receive the Mate XT on launch day.

The Mate XT, priced at more than double the cost of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, was unveiled simultaneously with Apple's new smartphone earlier this month. This pricing strategy has raised eyebrows, with some consumers arguing that the Mate XT is too expensive and not for ordinary customers.

Apple's AI Challenge and Huawei's Future Prospects

Meanwhile, Apple's new smartphone launch in China has been somewhat overshadowed by the company's yet-to-be-announced AI partner in the country. The iPhone 16s and Apple Intelligence, its AI software, will only be available in Chinese next year. However, some Apple fans have brushed off this concern.

A customer named Shi, who upgrades his iPhone annually, said, "The lack of AI in iPhones is not currently a major concern for me, as it's more of a gimmick at this stage." Despite the initial disappointment, the launch of the Mate XT underscores Huawei's ability to navigate U.S. sanctions. The company's ability to mass-produce, however, remains a concern.

While the company's innovation in the premium segment is commendable, the limited availability of the product and lack of clear communication have left many potential buyers disgruntled. As the smartphone market continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Huawei and Apple will navigate these challenges and meet the demands of their ever-growing customer base.