Apple fans are still waiting for the long-rumored iPhone Fold, but the rest of the smartphone world isn’t slowing down. Huawei is already on its second-generation trifold, while Samsung is expected to reveal its first trifold later this month.
Whether you call them trifolds or (more accurately) bifolds with two hinges, the idea is the same: a phone that unfolds into a tablet-like screen big enough to replace multiple devices. And for Apple, the pressure is building.
Huawei’s $4,000 Mate XT
Huawei was the first out of the gate with the Mate XT, which it describes as a “triple foldable display.” The device offers three screen configurations:
- 📱 Single screen: 6.4 inches
- 📖 Dual screen: 7.9 inches
- 💻 Triple screen: 10.2 inches
In Huawei’s words: single mode for “precise control,” dual mode for “productivity,” and triple mode for “full play.” Translation quirks aside, it’s basically a phone, mini-tablet, and full tablet in one.
The Mate XT launched exclusively in China with a staggering price tag close to $4,000. Still, it sold well enough that Huawei is prepping a second-gen model with wider availability, though don’t expect to see it in the US or Europe anytime soon.
Samsung’s Trifold May Launch This Month
Not to be outdone, Samsung is reportedly gearing up to announce its first trifold. Leaker Ice Universe suggests the device could debut at Samsung’s September 29 Unpacked event, alongside the company’s Project Moohan XR headset.
Details are still under wraps, but pricing is expected to land in the “very expensive niche” category, likely in line with Huawei’s premium positioning.
What This Means for Apple
Apple’s first foldable iPhone isn’t expected until 2026 at the earliest, and when it arrives, it’ll likely stick to a more traditional folding design rather than jumping straight into the trifold race.
The question is whether Samsung and Huawei can refine the format, bring costs down, and make trifolds more mainstream before Apple gets there. If they can, Apple’s iPhone Fold could end up looking late to the party.
Closing
Huawei and Samsung are already pushing smartphones into tablet territory with trifold displays, while Apple is still perfecting its first foldable iPhone.
If the early hardware is clunky and overpriced, Apple can afford to wait. But if the next generation of trifolds delivers real durability and better pricing, Apple may have some catching up to do.
🔥 Quick Summary:
- ✅ Huawei Mate XT is the world’s first trifold, with 3 screen sizes
- ✅ Costs nearly $4,000, second-gen model coming soon
- ✅ Samsung trifold rumored for Sept 29 Unpacked event
- ✅ Apple iPhone Fold not expected until 2026
- ⏰ Big question: Will trifolds go mainstream before Apple enters?
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