In a bold move signaling a significant departure from its reliance on Android apps, Huawei Technologies has officially launched the latest version of its in-house operating system, HarmonyOS. The announcement was made during a launch event in Shenzhen, emphasizing Huawei’s commitment to building an independent software ecosystem. This strategic decision comes in response to U.S. restrictions imposed in 2019, cutting Huawei’s access to Google’s technical support for its Android mobile operating system.
HarmonyOS Next Unveiled
The latest iteration of Huawei’s operating system, HarmonyOS Next, is set to release a developer version in the second quarter of this year, followed by a full commercial version expected in the fourth quarter. The move marks a crucial step in Huawei’s journey toward establishing Harmony as a standalone operating system for its diverse range of devices.
Read More: Xiaomi and Huawei Introduce Electric Vehicles, Propelling Chinese Tech Giants into Auto Industry
Breaking Ties with Android Apps
Unlike earlier versions of Harmony, which allowed the use of Android apps, reports from domestic financial media Caixin suggest that HarmonyOS Next will no longer support Android applications. This shift highlights Huawei’s determination to reduce its dependence on foreign technologies and create a self-sufficient ecosystem.
Development Journey
HarmonyOS has been in development since 2019, and Huawei initially introduced it on select smartphones in 2020. The decision to bid farewell to Android apps represents a strategic evolution, positioning HarmonyOS as a robust operating system designed specifically for Huawei devices.
Industry Reactions
While Huawei has not officially commented on the move, industry experts speculate that this decision could further solidify the company’s commitment to reducing reliance on external technologies. The announcement comes on the heels of Huawei’s surprise release of the Mate60 series of smartphones last August, believed to be powered by domestically developed chipsets. This move was widely seen as Huawei’s resurgence in the high-end smartphone market, overcoming challenges posed by U.S. sanctions.
Financial Optimism
Despite external challenges, Huawei remains optimistic about its financial performance. In an internal message last month, the company expressed expectations of surpassing 700 billion yuan ($97.3 billion) in revenue in 2023, reflecting a 9% year-on-year growth. This forecast highlights Huawei’s resilience and determination to thrive in the face of adversity.
Read More: Huawei phones flag Google App as security threat
Huawei’s decision to launch HarmonyOS Next and bid farewell to Android apps is a strategic move that reflects the company’s commitment to technological independence. As HarmonyOS evolves into a standalone operating system, Huawei is poised to reshape its ecosystem, offering users a seamless and self-contained experience across a diverse range of devices. The journey towards HarmonyOS signals not just a software shift but a transformative step for Huawei in navigating the complex landscape of international technology restrictions.