In a surprise move, Huawei has lifted the embargo on chipset information for recently launched phones, meaning consumers can finally find out what processors power its Mate 60, Mate X5, and Pura 70 series devices.

Huawei has previously been tight-lipped about the specific chipsets used in these phones, which were launched in September and May last year respectively. The tipster, who posted the “Adak is a wolf” tip on Weibo, reported that Huawei’s sales staff now have the right to disclose information about the processor.

Huawei lifts chip embargo, now reveals processor details

Chinese media outlet IT Home later visited Huawei’s flagship store and confirmed to staff that the Mate 60 and Mate X5 series are powered by Kirin 9000S series processors, while the Pura 70 Pro/Ultra features the Kirin 9010 chip.

Interestingly, several of Huawei’s recently launched overseas products, including the MatePad SE 11″, MatePad Pro 13.2″ and Nova Y62/Plus phones, reveal their processor models on their official website.

The reason for the previous secrecy is likely related to current US sanctions. Huawei is under scrutiny for its advanced chip manufacturing capabilities, and hiding chip details could have been a strategy to reduce pressure.

This new transparency signals a change in Huawei’s sales approach, potentially leading to clearer communication in future product releases. While specific processor models are now available, details remain limited. Store employees can only share basic information like chipset family and generation. The phone’s settings themselves will also not reflect the specific processor model.

Huawei is working on its next flagship model, which is said to compete with the upcoming iPhone 16 series. Expected in the fourth quarter of 2024, the Mate 70 series will feature an updated Kirin chipset with AI-based capabilities, improved displays, and support for satellite communications. The series will run on the HarmonyOS Next operating system and retain the 1.5K screen resolution.