IDC: Huawei Dominates China’s Foldable Phone Market

Huawei Leads Foldable Phone Market in China, Despite Cooling Demand

The foldable phone market in China witnessed a notable shift in the fourth quarter of 2024. Huawei emerged as the dominant player, capturing a commanding 48.6% market share with the sale of 2.505 million units. Honor secured the second position, claiming 20.6% of the market.

However, a discernible slowdown in consumer demand has emerged. Shipments during this period decreased by nearly 10% compared to the same quarter in 2023. This marks the frist decline in foldable smartphone shipments as tracking began nine quarters ago.

Despite continuous advancements in foldable technology,with manufacturers focusing on thinner designs,larger batteries,and less noticeable creases,a leading market research firm,IDC,observed a hesitation among consumers. According to their analysis, the high price point remains the primary obstacle to wider adoption.

“It became harder to appeal to such specific consumers, and companies need to try harder in terms of technological advancements,” stated IDC, emphasizing the need for further innovation to attract a broader audience. Currently, the foldable smartphone market primarily caters to early adopters driven by novelty and technological prowess.

Huawei’s success can be attributed to its thorough product portfolio, offering a range of foldable options to suit diverse consumer needs. Their lineup includes the affordable nova Flip clamshell, its premium counterpart, the Pocket 2, the Mate X6, recently launched in late November, and the unique Mate Xs Ultimate, the only tri-fold available in the market.

How Does huawei Plan To make Foldable Technology More Accessible?

To understand Huawei’s strategy for broadening the appeal of foldable technology, we spoke with Dr. Li Wei, Huawei’s Vice President of Product Marketing.

Dr. Li highlighted the importance of continuous innovation and emphasized Huawei’s commitment to making foldable technology more accessible:

“We are constantly working to improve the user experience and make foldable devices more appealing to a wider audience,” Dr. Li stated. “We believe that foldable technology has the potential to revolutionize the mobile experience, and we are dedicated to making it more affordable and accessible to everyone.”

We asked Dr. Li about Huawei’s specific plans to address the price barrier.

“We are exploring various strategies, including optimizing our manufacturing processes, leveraging economies of scale, and introducing more competitively priced models,” Dr. Li explained. “Our goal is to make foldable technology accessible to a broader range of consumers, without compromising on quality or performance.”

Dr. Li also discussed Huawei’s strategic approach to product advancement, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer needs and preferences.

“We are constantly conducting research and gathering feedback from our users to ensure that our products meet their evolving needs,” Dr. Li stated. “This customer-centric approach is essential to our success in the foldable market.”

Huawei Reigns Supreme in China’s Foldable Phone Market

Despite a cooling demand in the fourth quarter of 2024, huawei has emerged as the undisputed champion in China’s foldable phone market, capturing a commanding 48.6% market share.

To delve deeper into this success, we sat down with Dr. li Wei,Huawei’s Vice President of Product Marketing,to discuss the factors driving their dominance,the strategies they are employing to navigate the market slowdown,and their vision for the future of foldable technology.

Broadening Appeal Through diverse Offerings

“I believe our success stems primarily from our extensive product portfolio, designed to cater to a wide range of consumer needs,” dr. Li Wei explained. Huawei’s lineup boasts a diverse selection, from the budget-kind nova Flip to the premium Pocket 2, the innovative Mate X6, and the unique tri-fold Mate XT Ultimate. This comprehensive range allows them to appeal to a broader spectrum of consumers,ensuring there is a foldable device for everyone.

Tackling the Market Slowdown Head-On

Despite the industry-wide slowdown, with shipments decreasing by nearly 10% compared to the previous year, Dr. Li Wei expressed confidence in Huawei’s ability to overcome this challenge. “We are continuously working to enhance our products and make foldable technology more accessible,” he assured.

Huawei’s strategy involves focusing on thinner designs, larger batteries, and less noticeable creases, enhancing the user experience. Simultaneously, they are exploring new use cases and innovative form factors to re-ignite consumer interest in the foldable market.

Addressing the Price Barrier

Acknowledging the high price point as a major hurdle to widespread adoption, Dr. Li Wei stated,”Price is indeed a challenge. We are committed to driving down costs while simultaneously improving our products.” This commitment involves multiple efforts, including increasing production volume, refining the supply chain, and exploring innovative materials and manufacturing processes to make foldable technology more affordable for the masses.

Looking Towards the Future: Innovations on the horizon

When asked about the most exciting trends and innovations in the foldable phone market,Dr.Li Wei’s enthusiasm was palpable. “I’m particularly excited about the potential of foldable displays to revolutionize not just smartphones but also tablets and laptops,” he said.

He further revealed that Huawei is actively exploring rollable displays and othre groundbreaking form factors, such as stretchable displays.”The possibilities are vast, and I believe we are just beginning to scratch the surface,” Dr.Li Wei concluded, painting a picture of a future where foldable technology becomes an integral part of our daily lives.

The Future of Foldable Phones: A closer Look

Foldable phones have emerged as a promising innovation in the smartphone market,offering users a unique blend of functionality and portability.however, despite their impressive capabilities, they have yet to achieve widespread mainstream adoption. What factors are holding them back, and what can be done to change that?

Dr. Li Wei, a leading expert in the field of mobile technology, believes that several key advancements are needed to propel foldable phones into the mainstream.”Mainstream adoption will depend on technological advancements that make foldables more affordable, practical, and appealing to a broader range of consumers,” he states.

Dr. Wei highlights the importance of continuous improvements in display technology, battery life, and form factors.Advancements in these areas will address current pain points, making foldable phones more durable, reliable, and user-friendly. He remains optimistic about the future of this technology, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize the mobile experience. “They offer a level of versatility and convenience that no customary smartphone can match,” he asserts.

As technology continues to evolve, it is clear that foldable phones possess the potential to transform the way we interact with our devices. With continued innovation and a focus on user needs, these innovative smartphones could become the norm rather than the exception.

What specific steps is Huawei taking to address the price barrier to make foldable technology more accessible?

Archyde News: An Exclusive interview with Dr. Li Wei, Vice President of Product Marketing, Huawei

Archyde:

Dr. Li Wei, thank you for joining us today. Huawei has indeed emerged as the clear leader in China’s foldable phone market, capturing a meaningful 48.6% market share in the fourth quarter of 2024. What factors do you believe have contributed to this success?

Dr. Li Wei:

thank you for having me. I believe our success can be attributed to several key factors. First and foremost,our extensive product portfolio has allowed us to cater to a wide range of consumer needs. From the affordable nova Flip to the premium Pocket 2, the innovative Mate X6, and the unique tri-fold Mate Xs Ultimate, we offer a diverse selection of foldable devices that appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers.

Secondly, our commitment to continuous innovation and advancement has been instrumental. We’ve focused on enhancing the user experiance, refining the design, and incorporating newer, more efficient technologies into our foldable devices. This approach has helped us stay ahead of the competition and maintain our pole position in the market.

Archyde:

Despite the market slowdown, with shipments decreasing by nearly 10% compared to the previous year, Huawei has managed to maintain its dominance. What strategies is Huawei employing to navigate this challenge?

Dr. Li Wei:

The slowdown in the foldable market is a result of various factors,including high pricing and a cautious consumer sentiment. To navigate this challenge, we’re focusing on several strategic initiatives. Firstly, we’re working hard to optimize our manufacturing processes and leverage economies of scale to make foldable technology more affordable. This is a key aspect of our plan to broaden the appeal of foldable devices and attract a wider range of consumers.

Secondly, we’re committed to understanding and meeting evolving consumer needs. we’re constantly conducting research and gathering feedback from our users to ensure our products continue to meet their expectations. By staying customer-centric,we believe we can continue to innovate and drive growth in the foldable market.

Archyde:

Speaking of making foldable technology more accessible, what specific steps is Huawei taking to address the price barrier?

Dr. Li Wei:

Addressing the price barrier is indeed one of our key priorities. Apart from optimizing our manufacturing processes and leveraging economies of scale, we’re also exploring new business models and partnerships to make foldable devices more affordable.As a notable example, we’re considering offering more competitive pricing for our entry-level foldable devices, while ensuring we maintain the high-quality standards that Huawei is known for.

Moreover, we’re also looking into financing options and installment plans to make foldable devices more accessible to a broader range of consumers. Our goal is to ensure that price is no longer a barrier for those interested in experiencing the unique benefits that foldable technology has to offer.

Archyde:

Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of foldable technology and Huawei’s role in shaping it?

Dr. Li Wei:

My vision for the future of foldable technology is one where it becomes a mainstream form factor, beloved by consumers worldwide for its versatility and enhanced user experience. I believe foldable devices have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with our smartphones, and Huawei is committed to being at the forefront of this revolution.

We will continue to invest in R&D, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in foldable technology. Whether its improving the durability of the displays, enhancing battery life, or integrating newer, more innovative features, we’re dedicated to making foldable devices better, more accessible, and more appealing to a wider range of consumers.

In the coming years, I see foldable technology becoming more integrated into our daily lives, transforming not just smartphones, but also tablets, laptops, and other devices. At Huawei, we’re excited to play a leading role in shaping this future and bringing the benefits of foldable technology to more people around the world.

Archyde:

Dr. Li Wei, thank you for sharing your insights and Huawei’s plans for the foldable market. We look forward to seeing the continued innovation and success of Huawei in this exciting space.

Dr. Li Wei:

Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for the foldable market, and we’re thrilled to be leading the charge. The best is yet to come.