Huawei Sets Sights on Global Smartphone Comeback, HarmonyOS Expansion

Huawei rushed to launch its first smartphone using its own "LogicFolding" chip, the Mate 90 series, on October 1. The company hopes China's chip manufacturing capacity will one day enable overseas sales of devices with self-developed chips, Yu said.

The launch event was Yu's first time speaking with foreign press since 2019, underscoring Huawei's renewed push for international visibility.

Huawei's consumer push comes as its electric vehicle ambitions face headwinds. The company provides software and driver-assist systems for several Chinese automakers under its Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), but does not manufacture cars itself.

In September, Huawei-powered vehicles saw deliveries drop for a third straight month, down 29% year-on-year, according to CNBC calculations from HIMA figures. That contrasts with gains for rivals like BYD and Leapmotor. China's auto market is on track for its worst year since 2021, with new energy vehicle sales tumbling 13% in the first three quarters.

Huawei's EV unit generated at least $6.7 billion in revenue in 2025, according to its annual report. On October 1, Huawei announced a five-year extension of its partnership with Seres Group, which makes the Aito EV line.

For Tunisian and MENA consumers, Huawei's global push could eventually bring more HarmonyOS devices to the region, but no specific timeline or availability has been announced. The company's focus remains on China for now, where it faces declining smartphone and EV sales.

If Huawei succeeds in expanding overseas, it could offer an alternative to Android and iOS in markets like Tunisia, but U.S. sanctions and chip supply challenges remain major hurdles. Readers should watch for official announcements on regional availability and pricing.