Xiaomi, Huawei set Sept. 7 foldable launches ahead of Apple event

The first week of September 2026 is shaping up as a defining moment for foldable smartphones. Both Xiaomi and Huawei have confirmed product launch events for September 7, each headlined by a new foldable device, just two days before Apple ↗ 0.93% is expected to unveil its own long-rumored foldable iPhone at a September 9 event.techrepublic+1

Xiaomi's Mid-Fold Bet

Xiaomi has officially revealed its first "mid-fold" smartphone, the Xiaomi 18 Fold, confirming the device in a company video posted to Weibo. The phone features a 5.38-inch cover display and a 7.58-inch main screen when unfolded, powered by the new Xring O3 chip. A Leica-tuned triple camera system sits on the back, and the device ships with CXMT's LPDDR6 memory and Xiaomi's Surge OS 4 software with its MiMo on-device AI model.gizchina+2

Lu Weibing, who runs Xiaomi's smartphone business, has framed the 18 Fold as the most advanced device in the company's entire lineup, positioning it to compete with traditional slab flagships rather than existing solely in a foldable niche. Pricing reportedly starts around ¥12,000 (roughly $1,650), though Xiaomi has not announced any plans to sell the device outside China. The September 7 event will also see the launch of the N70 Pro, N70 Max, N90 Max, and Pad 9 Pro Max tablet.gizmochina+2

Huawei's Tri-Fold Follow-Up

Huawei executive Richard Yu confirmed that the Mate XT 2 Ultimate Design, the company's second-generation tri-fold smartphone, will debut on September 7 at 14:30 China time. Pre-orders opened on August 31 with a 1,000-yuan deposit, and final payments will be accepted after the launch event. The device features a cover screen and hardware-level privacy display technology. Huawei's event is also expected to include the MatePad Air 2026 tablet, the Pura X View phone, Watch D3, Watch 6, and FreeBuds 7 earbuds.huaweicentral+3

Apple Looms Two Days Later

The timing is no coincidence. Apple has confirmed a September 9 event at the Steve Jobs Theater, where it is widely expected to introduce a foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Rumors point to a book-style device with a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen, priced above $2,000. Apple has not officially confirmed the foldable, but Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has reported the project remains on track for September. IDC analysts project global foldable sales could jump 19 percent if Apple enters the category this year.cnet+1