Huawei has officially launched HarmonyOS NEXT, marking a significant departure from the Android ecosystem. This new operating system represents a bold move by Huawei to establish full tech independence by cutting ties with Android and building its own ecosystem from scratch.
HarmonyOS NEXT Breaks Away from Android
Unlike previous versions of HarmonyOS, which maintained some compatibility with Android apps, HarmonyOS NEXT no longer supports Android applications. This shift signifies Huawei’s focus on creating a completely independent platform.
On Wednesday, Huawei announced that HarmonyOS NEXT is now in public beta testing for select smartphones and tablets powered by its Kirin and Kunpeng chips. These devices are being equipped with the latest version of Huawei’s in-house software, reflecting the company’s increasing emphasis on developing its own tech infrastructure.
Native App Support and Growing Ecosystem
Despite moving away from Android, Huawei has assured users that this transition will not negatively affect the user experience. Several of China’s most popular apps, such as Meituan, Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok), Taobao, Xiaohongshu, Alipay, and JD.com, have already developed native applications for HarmonyOS NEXT. Currently, over 15,000 native apps and meta-services are available on the platform, underscoring Huawei’s efforts to foster strong partnerships with Chinese tech giants.
While this number is impressive, it is still a fraction of the millions of apps on the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. However, Huawei’s gradual growth indicates that the company is optimistic about expanding its ecosystem over time.
Performance and Efficiency Upgrades
HarmonyOS NEXT is not just about independence from Android; it also brings significant performance enhancements. According to Huawei, the new OS consists of 110 million lines of code and boosts device performance by up to 30%. Additionally, it extends battery life by 56 minutes on average and frees up 1.5 GB of memory for other uses, resulting in greater efficiency and smoother device operations.
Limited to China – For Now
Although these advancements make HarmonyOS NEXT an attractive option, it is currently limited to China. Despite Huawei’s previous efforts to expand HarmonyOS internationally, this latest version has no confirmed plans for a global release. Earlier versions of HarmonyOS struggled to gain traction outside of China, though Huawei has made some progress in attracting international partners. For example, Singapore’s Grab and Emirates Airlines have developed apps compatible with HarmonyOS, indicating potential for global expansion in the future.
Part of China’s Broader Tech Independence Strategy
The launch of HarmonyOS NEXT aligns with China’s broader goals of technological self-reliance. Following U.S. sanctions in 2019 that severed Huawei’s access to Google Mobile Services, Huawei has increasingly focused on building its own tech infrastructure. HarmonyOS NEXT is a key part of this strategy, allowing Huawei to operate independently from U.S.-based technologies.
Plans to Expand Beyond Mobile Devices
Huawei’s ambitions for HarmonyOS extend beyond smartphones and tablets. The company recently announced its goal to replace Windows with HarmonyOS on future computers, aiming to bring the OS into the PC market. However, specific details on when these devices will be available or whether other manufacturers will adopt HarmonyOS remain unclear.
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With the launch of HarmonyOS NEXT, Huawei has made a bold statement about its intentions to break free from the Android ecosystem and build an independent platform. While it’s currently limited to China, the OS is backed by significant performance improvements and growing support from key Chinese app developers. As Huawei continues to push the boundaries of its ecosystem, it remains to be seen whether HarmonyOS can achieve broader success, especially in international markets.
