Huawei Technologies is preparing to launch HarmonyOS Next at the end of September 2024, marking a significant step in its strategy to develop an independent mobile operating system. This new version will not support Android applications, reflecting Huawei's commitment to creating a self-sufficient ecosystem following its addition to a US trade blacklist in 2019. Chen Xinxin announced the upcoming launch at the China International Fair for Trade in Services, emphasizing that HarmonyOS Next is entirely independently developed [e5068d81].
Currently, HarmonyOS runs on over 900 million devices and boasts a developer community of 2.54 million. The operating system has gained traction in the market, recently becoming the second-largest mobile OS in China, holding a 17% market share as of the first quarter of 2024. This growth is indicative of Huawei's resilience in the face of US sanctions and its efforts to cultivate domestic demand for homegrown technology [e5068d81].
In conjunction with the launch, Huawei plans to invest over 7 billion yuan (approximately US$987 million) to enhance the HarmonyOS ecosystem, aiming to attract more developers and users to its platform [e5068d81]. This investment aligns with Huawei's broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign technologies and establish itself as a major player in the global tech landscape.
Previously, Huawei's smartphone shipments had dropped significantly due to US sanctions, with annual sales falling to around 20 million units. However, the company has made a notable comeback in the 5G smartphone market, shipping over 50 million handsets in China this year [e539dd86]. Richard Yu, chairman of Huawei's Consumer Business Group, has highlighted the achievements of HarmonyOS, stating that it has accomplished in 10 years what it took European and American counterparts 30 years to achieve in terms of building the core technology of an independent operating system [3fd083f4].
The success of HarmonyOS and the upcoming launch of HarmonyOS Next demonstrate Huawei's determination to innovate and compete in the global market, despite ongoing challenges from US restrictions. The company's focus on supply chain independence and technological self-sufficiency continues to shape its strategic direction [dfdb4e9b].
In addition to its operating system advancements, Huawei has also made strides in artificial intelligence technology, becoming the second most popular AI infrastructure provider globally after Nvidia. This positions Huawei as a formidable competitor in both the mobile operating system and AI markets [3fd083f4].
As Huawei prepares for the launch of HarmonyOS Next, the company is not only looking to solidify its position in the Chinese market but also aims to push its operating system internationally, further challenging the dominance of Android and iOS [dfdb4e9b].