Chinese tech giant Huawei is stirring anticipation among smartphone enthusiasts by allowing customers to register interest in an upcoming, yet-to-be-announced phone model. This move strongly suggests the arrival of the next iteration in their high-end P series.
Huawei’s return to the premium smartphone market last year with the Mate 60 series was met with much fanfare, particularly within China. State media hailed it as a victory against ongoing US sanctions. The launch is also believed to have contributed to a significant decline in Apple iPhone sales within China.
Rumors surrounding the imminent launch of the P70 have been circulating for months. Like the Mate 60, it’s expected to boast an advanced, domestically-produced chipset. Huawei’s P series is renowned for its cutting-edge camera technology and sleek design, while the Mate series prioritizes performance and caters to business users.
While a recent product launch showcased a new smart car and laptop, phone enthusiasts were left disappointed with the absence of any mobile device announcements. However, a visit to three Huawei stores in Beijing revealed that customers can now register to receive updates about an upcoming phone, without needing to make a deposit. Sales staff indicated that registered users will be notified about the phone’s specifications and color options in the future.
Huawei has remained silent on the matter, declining to comment. The Mate 60 launch, which notably coincided with a visit by US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to China, followed a similar strategy. There was no prior advertising or disclosure of specifications, prompting users and companies to dissect the phones themselves to understand their capabilities.
Analyst Will Wong of IDC suggests this tactic serves a dual purpose for Huawei. It allows them to maintain a lower profile amidst US-China trade tensions while simultaneously generating excitement and a sense of mystery surrounding their launches.
Another analyst, Archie Zhang from Counterpoint Research, highlights potential stock availability concerns for the P70, similar to the challenges faced with the Mate 60. Sources suggest Huawei has had to slow down Mate 60 production due to limitations and a need to prioritize manufacturing of artificial intelligence chips.
