Huawei is on the cusp of a major advancement with its HarmonyOS. The company has confirmed via the South China Morning Post that HarmonyOS NEXT, a fully native version that does not rely on Android's libraries, is set to debut by the end of the month.
A Milestone Amid Sanctions
This development is crucial for Huawei, especially after US sanctions limited its access to Google's Mobile Services. HarmonyOS, which was first introduced in 2019, initially entered the smart TV market before expanding to smartphones the following year. Since its launch, the operating system has garnered millions of users and extended its reach to tablets, wearables, and IoT devices.
Yet Huawei's vision extends beyond merely swapping Android on its gadgets. Known in China as the “Pure Blood” OS, HarmonyOS NEXT aims for full autonomy. This involves a complete overhaul of the software, eliminating any dependency on Android code.
Support from Major Developers
Chen Xinxin, the general manager of HarmonyOS Industry Solutions, stated that the new mobile platform is “entirely independently developed and autonomous.” The transition is backed by major Chinese developers from sectors like software, gaming, entertainment, and e-commerce, who are committed to creating native HarmonyOS applications. JD.com, China's e-commerce leader, has just finalized its native app, scheduled to launch with HarmonyOS NEXT.
The Future with Huawei Mate 70
The upcoming Huawei Mate 70 is poised to be the first smartphone featuring the native HarmonyOS NEXT, though its launch date remains uncertain. This positions the Mate 70 as not just a flagship device for Huawei, but also as a pivotal component of the HarmonyOS ecosystem.
Whether HarmonyOS NEXT can effectively compete with Android's dominance is still a question. However, Huawei's commitment to developing an independent operating system is a daring strategy that might redefine the mobile landscape, particularly in China.
