Apple’s rivals make their move as foldable iPhone anticipation grows

Apple’s biggest smartphone rivals in China are unveiling new foldable devices as the industry prepares for the company’s potential entry into the market.

Huawei and Xiaomi both announced new foldable smartphones Tuesday, CNBC reported.

Xiaomi introduced the 18 Fold, described as a passport-sized device, while Huawei unveiled its Mate XT2, a trifold smartphone.

The launches come as Apple’s potential debut in the foldable phone category attracts growing attention from competitors.

Foldable devices still account for only a small share of the global smartphone market as they represented about 2.2 perecnt of smartphone shipments so far this year, according to data from International Data Corporation.

Huawei currently dominates the foldable phone market, particularly in China, where it controls nearly 80 percent of the category.

However, Apple’s expected entry could significantly increase consumer interest and competition in the sector.