Huawei will not support Android apps on its upcoming HarmonyOS Next platform, signaling a move to strengthen its proprietary software ecosystem. The company intends to debut a developer iteration of HarmonyOS Next in the second quarter of 2024, with a complete commercial release anticipated later in the final quarter of that same year.

Huawei has stopped backing Android apps, keen to make HarmonyOS a strong rival and cut reliance on O.S. from abroad. By doing so, it tackles hurdles from the United States head-on with a cunning plan. When bans kept Huawei from using Android and other U.S. techs, the firm had to boost how well HarmonyOS worked.

Huawei's Stride to Independence

China's Huawei intensifies its push for software autonomy as it develops HarmonyOS, its proprietary operating system. The latest iteration, HarmonyOS Next, set for a developer version release in Q2 and a commercial version in Q4, reportedly won't support Android apps, marking a departure from earlier versions.

In 2019, Huawei first introduced HarmonyOS as a substitute for Google's Android operating system after access to Android support was hindered by U.S. limitations. Notwithstanding these difficulties, the business showed tenacity in 2022 when it unveiled the Mate60 series, which is rumored to include a domestically produced processor.

With that announcement, Huawei declared its return to the high-end smartphone market and demonstrated its ability to produce competitive goods even amid global instability. In an internal letter from August last year, Huawei projected that its sales will reach over 700 billion yuan ($97.3 billion) in 2023, or an annual growth rate of 9%.

HarmonyOS Next

Huawei is making significant strides with HarmonyOS Next, signaling a pivotal shift in its strategy. The developer's version launch is a precursor to the commercial release in Q4, emphasizing Huawei's move from supporting Android-based apps. This strategic decision underscores Huawei's commitment to establishing an independent software ecosystem.

Beyond software, the company aims to build a comprehensive ecosystem, garnering support from 200 industry partners with plans to expand to 5,000 by 2024. Significant players like Meituan are already developing apps tailored for HarmonyOS. Huawei's substantial investment of 7 billion yuan aims to fuel innovation across native apps and development tools, reflecting a holistic approach to fostering a tech community.

In keeping with its commitment to influencing the direction of technology, the company actively collaborates with more than 300 academic institutions to develop the next generation of developers.

Huawei Unveils HarmonyOS Next' Galaxy Edition' at Harmony Ecology Conference

Huawei unveiled HarmonyOS NEXT "Galaxy Edition" at the Harmony Ecology Conference, marking a significant step in its ecosystem strategy. The developer preview is open, with a commercial release set for Q4 2024. HarmonyOS NEXT introduces design concepts like "Spatial," "Vivid Color," and "Immersive," featuring a revamped U.I. with a floating effect for a three-dimensional experience.

The system emphasizes native refinement, applications, smoothness, security, intelligence, and interconnection. HarmonyOS uses its self-developed kernel, boasting a groundbreaking "heterogeneous native" parallel mechanism for threefold memory management efficiency.

Over 200 native applications are developing, with critical industries joining the ecosystem.

Huawei commits over 7 billion RMB to incentivize HarmonyOS innovations, aiming to lead the industry across diverse scenarios with over 800 million Huawei devices in the ecosystem.