HUAWEI has introduced its latest flagship smartphones, the Mate 70 series and the Mate X6 foldable, in China, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s technological evolution. The headline here isn’t just about the phones themselves but HUAWEI’s bold move to part ways with Android entirely. These devices signal the beginning of a significant transition to Harmony OS Next, HUAWEI’s self-developed operating system, designed to be completely independent of U.S. technological frameworks.
Unlike the original Harmony OS, which debuted in 2019 and relied on Android’s architecture, Harmony OS Next represents a complete departure. By shedding all ties to Android, the new platform will no longer support Android apps—a shift that could present challenges in gaining user acceptance. To address this, HUAWEI has been collaborating extensively with app developers, ensuring that approximately 10,000 apps are already compatible with Harmony OS Next. The company has set an ambitious target of growing this number to 100,000 apps within the coming months to establish a robust ecosystem.
The Mate 70 series will be the first flagship lineup to showcase Harmony OS Next, setting the stage for HUAWEI’s next chapter. However, the transition won’t be immediate. Both the Mate 70 and Mate X6 will initially run Harmony OS 4.3, a hybrid version retaining some Android components. The complete switch to Harmony OS Next will come via software updates, offering users the flexibility to adopt the new system when it’s ready. HUAWEI envisions all its devices shipping with Harmony OS Next as the standard by 2025.
This move is a milestone not only for HUAWEI but for the broader tech industry, signaling a potential shift in the smartphone OS landscape. While the reception from Android users, especially in China, remains uncertain, HUAWEI is optimistic about delivering a unique and engaging user experience. The success of this daring endeavor will hinge on convincing users and developers to embrace its emerging ecosystem fully.
