Huawei has unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Mate 70 series, aiming to challenge Apple’s stronghold in the Chinese market with advanced AI features and local innovation. The device, powered by the Chinese HarmonyOS Next, introduces cutting-edge functionalities such as enhanced photography, real-time transcription, and call translation, positioning itself as a tech-forward alternative to Apple, which has yet to integrate AI features in its devices for China.
The Mate 70 launch follows the runaway success of Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro, which propelled the company to the top of China’s smartphone market earlier this year. Its breakthrough chip technology, developed domestically, marked a significant milestone amidst the ongoing US-China tech rivalry. In 2023, Huawei captured half of China’s high-end smartphone market, a sharp rise from 2022, when iPhones dominated three-quarters of the segment.
Huawei’s resurgence highlights the escalating race for semiconductor supremacy between the US and China. Despite years of Washington’s efforts to curb Chinese advancements in chip technology, Huawei leveraged domestic producer Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) to power its devices. However, SMIC faces production constraints, raising concerns about Huawei’s ability to sustain a steady chip supply.
Experts warn that supply bottlenecks could impact Huawei and other Chinese AI innovators reliant on SMIC. “The demand on SMIC is immense,” said Linda Sui, senior director at TechInsights, adding that the pressure on the state-backed chipmaker could intensify next year.
The Mate 70’s success could cement Huawei’s dominance in the Chinese smartphone market and underscore the growing sophistication of China’s tech ecosystem. With over three million reservations already logged, the Mate 70 is poised to be a critical player in Huawei’s ongoing battle against Apple and its global ambitions in advanced AI technology.
