NEWS  Smartphones  November 14, 2023  Reading time: ~1 minute)

Max (RS editor)

In recent years, Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei made headlines with its shift from Google Android to its proprietary HarmonyOS operating system. Initially resembling a heavily skinned version of Android, HarmonyOS has evolved significantly, becoming the cornerstone for Huawei's smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and various products.

The next phase of this transition comes with HarmonyOS Next, the upcoming version of Huawei's operating system. According to a PandaDaily report, HarmonyOS Next is set to abandon "traditional AOSP code", marking a departure from Google's Android Open Source Project code that underpinned earlier HarmonyOS versions. While the user interface may maintain a familiar appearance, the underlying architecture will now run on Huawei's proprietary code.

This move implies that developers aiming to ensure compatibility with Huawei devices must adapt their apps to run natively on HarmonyOS Next. Noteworthy Chinese tech firms like JD, NetEase, and Meituan are reportedly intensifying their efforts to hire HarmonyOS app developers, indicating a growing commitment to this ecosystem. However, the global appeal of HarmonyOS remains uncertain, with major international companies potentially less motivated to adopt the platform, potentially leading to a reduction in the overall availability of apps for Huawei devices on a global scale.

Despite potential challenges, Huawei appears committed to advancing HarmonyOS Next, with plans to launch a developer preview in early 2024 before a broader rollout. 

(Image by Huawei)