- HarmonyOS Next will longer support Android-based applications and available to test on selected phones in China.
- Launch is a pivotal step for Huawei as it navigates the complexities of international relations and seeks to establish its technological independence.
- Huawei aims to extend the reach of Harmony OS beyond mobile devices, with plans for a PC version anticipated in the latter part of this year.
Huawei’s recent launch of Harmony OS Next marks a significant milestone in its endeavor to establish an independent technological ecosystem, distinct from Western influences.
The public beta version of its homegrown operating system will initially be available on the company’s flagship devices, including the Mate 60 smartphone, Mate X5 foldable model, and MatePad Pro tablet.
Scheduled for an official release later this year alongside the Mate 70 smartphone, Harmony OS Next represents a bold strategic pivot for Huawei amid escalating geopolitical tensions and sanctions impacting its business operations.
Evolution of OS
The evolution of Harmony OS has been shaped by the necessity for a robust alternative to Android, which has been Huawei’s operating system of choice until recent years. Following allegations of espionage and subsequent sanctions, Huawei recognised the imperative of fostering its own technological sovereignty.
Launched initially in 2019, Harmony OS was designed as a multi-platform system capable of running Android applications. However, the introduction of Harmony OS Next suggests a deliberate move away from this compatibility, highlighting a commitment to developing a uniquely Chinese operating system.
Support from major domestic partners, such as Tencent Holdings, has bolstered Huawei’s foray into this new operating system. Tencent is reportedly developing 20 applications compatible with Harmony OS, including well-known platforms like QQ and WeCom.
Self-sufficient ecosystem
The collaboration underscores the importance of a robust application ecosystem for the success of any operating system—an acknowledgment articulated by Huawei’s deputy chairman, Eric Xu Zhijun, who emphasised that a native ecosystem is essential for Harmony OS to function effectively as a mobile OS.
The reception of Harmony OS within China has thus far been favourable, with the platform claiming a 17 per cent market share in the first quarter, gradually encroaching upon Apple’s presence in the market.
While Android remains the dominant player with a 68 per cent market share, according to Counterpoint Research, the gradual rise of Harmony OS reflects a growing sentiment of nationalism and a willingness among consumers to support local technology solutions.
Looking ahead, Huawei aims to extend the reach of Harmony OS beyond mobile devices, with plans for a PC version anticipated in the latter part of this year.
The ambition signifies Huawei’s resolve to not only reclaim its place in the global tech landscape but also to contribute to the development of a self-sufficient technological ecosystem within China.