Apple Unveils iPhone 16 Amid AI Feature Race with Huawei

Apple introduced its iPhone 16 and new AI features at an event, but was overshadowed by Huawei's triple-folding phone. Huawei's device, garnering significant pre-orders, highlights its resilience against U.S. sanctions and competitive stance in China. Apple's AI features may face delays in China due to regulatory requirements.

Apple on Monday introduced the iPhone 16, featuring advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, during an event held at its Apple Park headquarters. However, the tech giant faced stiff competition as Huawei, hours earlier, unofficially released a triple-folding smartphone, the Mate XT, which garnered millions of pre-orders in China.

Huawei's new Z-shaped tri-fold phone, which will be officially announced Tuesday, signifies its strong market position and ability to navigate U.S. sanctions. This was emphasized by Ben Bajarin, CEO and principal analyst at Creative Strategies, who noted that the Chinese market's appetite for AI features surpasses that of the U.S., posing a challenge for Apple.

Apple's AI initiative, Apple Intelligence, scheduled for a software update launch in October, still waits for approval in China. The AI upgrade is pivotal as Apple contends with stagnant iPhone sales, hoping the new features will spur consumer upgrades despite the competition and market restrictions in China.

(With inputs from agencies.)