While the original HarmonyOS, introduced in recent years, was partially based on Android, HarmonyOS Next marks a bold shift towards a completely independent ecosystem, requiring its own app infrastructure. This departure underscores Huawei’s ambition to sever ties with Android entirely.
The Shift to HarmonyOS Next
Huawei has unveiled its flagship Mate 70 series and Mate X6 foldable phones in China, but the real story lies in the company's move away from Android. These devices represent the first step toward transitioning to HarmonyOS Next—a fully in-house developed operating system designed to eliminate reliance on U.S.-based technology.
The original HarmonyOS, launched in 2019, relied on the Android framework. However, HarmonyOS Next leaves Android entirely behind, meaning it will no longer support Android apps. This presents a significant adoption challenge. To counter this, Huawei is actively collaborating with developers, and reports indicate that approximately 10,000 apps are already compatible with HarmonyOS Next, with the goal of reaching 100,000 apps in the coming months.
Transition Plan
The Mate 70 series will be the first flagship to debut HarmonyOS Next. However, the transition comes with a caveat: neither the Mate 70 nor the Mate X6 will ship with HarmonyOS Next pre-installed. Instead, these devices will run HarmonyOS 4.3, which retains some Android elements. Updates to HarmonyOS Next will roll out later, allowing users to switch to the new system once it becomes available. By 2025, Huawei plans to launch all its new devices with HarmonyOS Next as the default operating system.
Industry Implications
This move toward an Android-free experience represents a significant milestone for Huawei and the broader tech industry. The reaction of China's Android users to this shift remains to be seen. However, Huawei is confident that its new OS will deliver a compelling user experience.
Whether this gamble pays off depends on Huawei's ability to convince both users and developers to invest in its new ecosystem. Success could set a precedent for other companies seeking independence from Android, while failure might underscore the challenges of breaking free from established platforms.
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