Huawei takes everyone by surprise with the Puraits new foldable smartphone in a still very rare format. Unveiled in images before its presentation on April 20, 2026, this model adopts a long design which is strongly reminiscent of what the market expects from the iPhone Fold. Without having launched a single foldable, Apple thus sees one of its flagship ideas materialized by a competitor.
With its almost square external screen and its large rectangular internal screen, the Pura X Max is part of the trend for “passport-sized” foldables. A choice which contrasts with the current Galaxy Z Fold and which immediately places Huawei against Apple, while the iPhone Fold is expected for September 2026. It remains to be seen what exactly this form factor hides and what it changes for users.
Huawei Pura X Max: why is this passport-sized design aimed directly at the iPhone Fold?
Folded, the Huawei Pura displays an external screen of approximately 5.5 inches, almost square, close to an inverted 4:3 ratio. The whole thing is reminiscent of a passport, much more compact than a classic foldable and more natural in the hand than a very elongated smartphone. Once opened, you move to a larger 7.69-inch internal screen, which is closer to a 16:10 format rather than the usual 16:9.
The visuals published by Huawei emphasize vertical use even in unfolded mode, like a gigantic smartphone rather than a small tablet. This positioning is consistent with rumors about the iPhone Fold, which would adopt almost identical dimensions. Clearly, Huawei is showing the market what Apple’s first foldable could look like, but by offering it before it does.
What does the Huawei Pura X Max promise on a daily basis compared to the future foldable iPhone?
On paper, this format brings several concrete advantages. The wide internal screen lends itself well to videos, with fewer black bands than a very stretched screen, and offers more comfort for reading or social networks. The vertical format promoted by Huawei also facilitates multitasking by screen sharing, with two applications displayed side by side in a readable manner.
On the technical side, rumors suggest a WQHD+ definition for the internal screen, a chip Kirin 9030 and an imposing photo block with at least three sensors. Enough to compete, on paper, with the best photophones of the moment. The first visuals also confirm at least three distinct colors: white, orange and purple, in order to position the Pura X Max as an ultra premium object.
Huawei Pura X Max: release, availability and what pressure for Apple in 2026?
Final details will be given during the presentation on April 20, 2026. Pre-orders have started in China, with no price revealed, and nothing indicates a release in Europe. Problem for the French public: Huawei smartphones remain deprived of Google services, which makes marketing here very unlikely.