NEWS  Smartphones  April 25, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Huawei has set ambitious plans for its HarmonyOS, seeking to establish it as the third major mobile operating system in the world. This ambitious goal was announced by Huawei's current president, Eric Xu, at the Analyst Summit in Shenzhen, where he outlined the company's strategy to expand HarmonyOS globally despite the challenges posed by international trade restrictions and bans.

The Journey to a Global Stage

Huawei's path to reestablishing its presence on the international stage begins with its success in the Chinese domestic market. In 2023, Huawei's share in the Chinese smartphone market grew from 9.3% in the first quarter to 15.5% in 2024. The launch of the Mate 60 series, which marked Huawei's return to 5G with models like the Mate 60, Mate 60 Pro, and Mate 60 Pro Plus, has contributed significantly to this growth. Building on this success, Huawei introduced the Pura 70 range, indicating further expected growth.

The HarmonyOS Ecosystem

HarmonyOS's success on the international stage will rely heavily on the availability of popular applications. Huawei has been working diligently to ensure HarmonyOS is compatible with a wide range of apps. Eric Xu noted that of the 5,000 most popular Android apps in Europe, 4,000 have already been ported to HarmonyOS, with plans to bring the remaining 1,000 apps on board soon. To quote Eric Xu:

"We will work hard to build the HarmonyOS app ecosystem first in the Chinese market, then gradually start to spread it to other parts of the world from country to country. [...] Once we have these first 5,000 Android apps - and thousands of other apps - up and running on HarmonyOS, we will have a true HarmonyOS: a third mobile operating system for the world."

Overcoming Technological Challenges

A significant hurdle for Huawei's global ambitions is its ability to develop independent technology. The introduction of the Kirin 9010 processor was touted as a notable achievement, but international analysts and benchmarks suggest that it still lags behind the top processors in the market. This discrepancy emphasizes the need for Huawei to close the technology gap to compete on a global scale.

A New Contender in the Global Market

Huawei's expansion strategy for HarmonyOS signals the emergence of a new competitor in the operating system market, challenging the dominance of established players like Android and iOS. The company's success in building a robust app ecosystem and developing cutting-edge technology will determine whether HarmonyOS can secure its position as the third major mobile operating system worldwide.

Huawei's efforts to expand HarmonyOS beyond China's borders are poised to reshape the global operating system landscape. With a growing share in the domestic market and a strategic approach to building an app ecosystem, Huawei's HarmonyOS is one to watch in the coming years.

 IMAGES CREDITS: HUAWEI