HarmonyOS rumoured to launch next week
Huawei is preparing to launch its latest version of HarmonyOS, called HarmonyOS Next, which marks a significant shift as the company completely ditches support for Android apps. This move aims to establish Huawei's independence from Android, a necessity since the U.S. sanctions in 2019 restricted Huawei's access to Google services. HarmonyOS Next is set to be pre-installed on several devices, including the Huawei Mate 60 series, Mate X5, and MatePad Pro, starting from mid-October 2024.
The new operating system, which Huawei claims will cover “99.9% of consumers’ usage time,” has already garnered support from 10,000 applications, providing a strong ecosystem for users who will no longer have the option to install Android apps. HarmonyOS initially began as an Android-based system, but HarmonyOS Next is built on a completely independent architecture, which Huawei says delivers improved performance, with faster processing speeds and better energy efficiency.
A notable feature of HarmonyOS Next is its integration of AI-driven capabilities, dubbed "Harmony Intelligence." This includes tools for image generation, sound repair, and features to assist visually impaired users, such as image-to-audio descriptions. Furthermore, the OS aims to optimize app functionality across various screen sizes, making it adaptable for a range of devices.
Huawei's development of HarmonyOS Next represents a bold move in establishing an alternative mobile ecosystem, especially in China, where the company has already captured a 17% share of the smartphone market as of early 2024. This shift is seen as part of Huawei's broader strategy to reduce dependency on foreign technologies and develop a self-reliant software platform.