- Huawei will leave Android definitely in 2025, betting on HarmonyOS Next.
- The new operating system is not compatible with Android applications, which forces the creation of an exclusive ecosystem of apps.
- The Huawei Mate 70 will be the first device to feature HarmonyOS Next.
- Huawei aims to reach 100,000 native apps by the end of 2025.
The technological landscape is on the cusp of significant change, and Huawei is at the heart of this transformation. The Chinese tech giant has announced that it will be leaving Android behind for good in 2025, focusing all its efforts on its own operating system: HarmonyOS Next. This move, which marks a complete break with the services of the Chinese tech giant, will be Google and the Android ecosystem promises to be a hot topic in the coming years.
In a competitive environment dominated by Android and iOS, Huawei is looking to offer a solid alternative. The company, which has suffered harsh sanctions from the United States in the past, has worked tirelessly to develop a viable, independent operating system. HarmonyOS Next not only represents a step forward in technological terms, but also a strategic attempt to regain lost ground in the global market.
HarmonyOS Next's gamble: total independence
Since its debut in 2019, HarmonyOS has evolved significantly. What started out as an Android AOSP-based platform is now presented as a completely independent system with HarmonyOS Next. This new operating system removes any vestige of Android, including compatibility with applications developed for that ecosystem. While this represents a challenge at first, it also opens the door to an exclusive ecosystem that could be more secure, robust and optimized for Huawei devices.
Eric Xu Zhijun, Huawei's rotating chairman, said that one of the key goals is to have 100,000 native apps for HarmonyOS Next by the end of 2025. Currently, the system already has some NO apps, a catalogue that the company seeks to rapidly expand by collaborating with developers around the world.
The debut of the Huawei Mate 70 and its future
The Huawei Mate 70 series will be the first to integrate HarmonyOS Next, although with certain initial peculiarities. These devices, launched in the Chinese market on November 26, 2024, will initially include HarmonyOS 4.3, a version that still retains elements of Android. However, users will be able to upgrade to the new operating system later, marking a shift towards a completely independent ecosystem.
Despite these initial limitations, Huawei plans to have all new devices come out of the factory with HarmonyOS Next by 2025. This includes both the traditional smartphones like foldable models, such as the Huawei Mate X6.
The ecosystem challenge: How to attract developers?
One of the biggest challenges Huawei faces with HarmonyOS Next is creating a strong ecosystem. Currently, users of OS They expect a wide variety of optimized applications to facilitate their daily activities, and this is one of the areas where Huawei should concentrate its efforts.
The company already collaborates with thousands of developers who have contributed to the initial development of the 15,000 apps currently available. However, achieving the 100,000 native applications This will not be an easy task. Huawei is confident that the attractiveness of its operating system and the technical support offered to developers will be enough to speed up this process.
A global challenge with a view to the future
HarmonyOS Next, at least initially, will be focused on the Chinese market, where Huawei has a strong presence. This means that the operating system will not immediately replace EMUI on international devices. However, the company does not rule out a global expansion in the long term, which will depend on the success of HarmonyOS Next in its domestic market.
While Huawei's bet is ambitious, it's not without its risks. The transition to an entirely new operating system could alienate some existing users accustomed to Android apps and services. However, Huawei seems confident that the innovative features and user experience offered by HarmonyOS Next will be enough to attract consumers and developers alike.
A new stage for Huawei
This move not only redefines Huawei’s direction, but also the global technological landscape. The idea of breaking the hegemony of Android and iOS is not new, but very few have managed to do it successfully. Huawei has the opportunity to become a benchmark in this regard, offering a viable and reliable alternative to the current dominant ecosystems.
The full shift to HarmonyOS Next in 2025 will be a pivotal moment for Huawei. If it can overcome the initial challenges and consolidate its app ecosystem, there is no doubt that the company will be better positioned to compete in the global market, proving that innovation and resilience can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
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