Huawei's transition to Harmony OS Next represents a bold move to regain control over its software ecosystem amidst geopolitical tensions.
The microkernel architecture of Harmony OS Next may allow Huawei to innovate in device compatibility, potentially expanding its market reach beyond smartphones.
If Huawei successfully develops a robust app ecosystem for Harmony OS Next, it could position itself as a strong competitor to Android and iOS in the global market.
The success of Harmony OS Next in international markets will depend on Huawei's ability to attract developers and consumers away from established platforms.
Huawei has announced a significant shift from the Android operating system to its own Harmony OS, specifically the new version named Harmony OS Next. This change comes as a response to ongoing US sanctions that have restricted the company's access to Android and other technologies. The first devices to feature Harmony OS Next will be the Mate 70 series, marking a pivotal moment in Huawei's strategy to establish its own ecosystem of devices.
The new Harmony OS Next is fundamentally different from its predecessor, Harmony OS Legacy, which was based on a modified version of the Android kernel. Harmony OS Next operates on a microkernel architecture, allowing it to be more adaptable across various devices, including smartphones, smart cars, and home appliances. This shift aims to create a unified user experience across all Huawei products, similar to Apple's integrated ecosystem.
Despite the advantages of Harmony OS Next, Huawei faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of app availability. Developers will need to create new applications specifically for Harmony, which may lead to a limited selection of apps compared to the vast offerings available on Android. Huawei has set a goal of supporting 100,000 apps by 2025, but the success of this initiative remains to be seen, especially outside of China where competition is fierce.
