Huawei has launched the Pura X Max in China, becoming the first company to bring a wide foldable smartphone to market. The device uses a passport-style folding design that differentiates it from existing narrow foldable phones currently available.

The launch gives Huawei a market advantage over competitors Apple and Samsung, both of which have been reported to be developing similar wide foldable devices but have not yet released them commercially. The Pura X Max represents a new category in the foldable phone market, which has primarily consisted of phones that fold vertically or book-style devices.

Huawei revealed the device's design previously, but today's launch provided complete specifications and pricing information for Chinese consumers. The passport-style form factor suggests the phone opens to create a wider screen experience compared to traditional smartphone dimensions.

The release comes as the foldable phone market continues to evolve, with manufacturers exploring different form factors and folding mechanisms. Huawei's entry into the wide foldable category establishes the company as a pioneer in this specific smartphone design approach, potentially setting the stage for broader industry adoption of similar form factors.