MADRID – Huawei is making a significant return to the global market, unveiling a range of new products at its “Now is Your Run” launch event in Madrid, Spain, on February 26, 2026. Central to the announcement was the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2, a new professional running watch, alongside the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro smartphone, the HUAWEI MatePad Mini, the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5, and the HUAWEI Band 11 Series. The launch signals a renewed focus on innovation and a commitment to serving both professional athletes and everyday runners, marking a return to professional running watches after a five-year hiatus.
The event featured two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge, who was introduced as the global ambassador for the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner. Kipchoge emphasized the importance of running beyond speed, stating, “Running means much more than running fast,” and expressing his hope to positively impact the lives of runners worldwide through collaboration with Huawei. This partnership underscores Huawei’s ambition to become a key player in the athletic technology space.
The HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 is equipped with a new 3D floating antenna architecture, designed to deliver unparalleled positioning precision, even during signal interruptions. According to Huawei, an intelligent positioning algorithm ensures accurate tracking of a runner’s trajectory and distance. The watch also boasts a new intelligent marathon mode, offering one-stop race management and acting as a personal coach throughout a race. This feature aims to benefit both professional athletes seeking performance gains and amateur runners looking for a more informed and supportive running experience.
HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro: A Return to Flagship Innovation
Alongside the new running watch, Huawei showcased the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro, representing the company’s return to its flagship Mate series. The Mate 80 Pro features an upgraded True-to-Color Camera, promising consistent color accuracy across various lighting conditions. Attendees at the Madrid event reportedly praised the phone’s new Dual Space Ring Design, blending classic elegance with modern aesthetics. The device also boasts enhanced performance, 2nd Gen Kunlun Glass for increased durability, and advanced AI capabilities, pushing the smartphone experience to new heights, according to Huawei.
Expanding the Ecosystem: Tablets, Earbuds, and Fitness Trackers
The Madrid launch wasn’t limited to smartphones and smartwatches. Huawei also unveiled the HUAWEI MatePad Mini, offering a compact tablet experience, and the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5, the latest iteration of its noise-cancelling earbuds. Completing the lineup was the HUAWEI Band 11 Series, a new range of fitness trackers designed to monitor activity and health metrics. These additions demonstrate Huawei’s strategy of building a comprehensive ecosystem of connected devices.
Focus on Running Technology
The emphasis on running technology at the Madrid event is a deliberate move by Huawei. The company highlighted the WATCH GT Runner 2’s ability to help athletes boost performance and provide a smart, professional running experience for amateurs. Kipchoge shared his experience of co-creating products with Huawei, stating his passion for sharing his insights to improve the smartwatch experience for runners of all levels. This collaborative approach suggests a long-term commitment to the running community.
The launch event also showcased Huawei’s commitment to innovation in positioning technology. The 3D floating antenna architecture in the WATCH GT Runner 2 is a key differentiator, addressing a common challenge for runners in areas with inconsistent GPS signals. This technology, combined with the intelligent positioning algorithm, aims to provide a more reliable and accurate running experience.
Looking Ahead
Huawei’s return to the global stage with these new products signals a renewed confidence in its ability to compete in the international market. The company has not yet announced specific availability dates or pricing for all the products unveiled in Madrid, but further details are expected in the coming weeks. Consumers interested in learning more about the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2, HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro, and other devices can visit Huawei’s official website for updates and specifications.
The next step for Huawei will be to roll out these products to key markets worldwide and demonstrate their capabilities to consumers. The success of these launches will be crucial in solidifying Huawei’s position as a leading innovator in the technology industry.
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