• Huawei drops Android, adopts HarmonyOS for independence.
• HarmonyOS Next: Q2 developer release, Q4 commercial launch, no Android support.
• Huawei’s strategic shift aims at tech independence, eyes positive 2023 revenue.

Huawei Technologies has officially launched the latest version of its in-house operating system, Harmony, signaling a departure from its reliance on Android apps. The company’s HarmonyOS Next platform is set to release a developer version in the second quarter of this year, with a full commercial version expected in the fourth quarter.

The announcement, made during a launch event in Shenzhen on Thursday, emphasizes Huawei’s commitment to building an independent software ecosystem. The move comes as a response to U.S. restrictions that, in 2019, cut Huawei’s access to Google’s technical support for its Android mobile operating system.

Notably, earlier versions of Harmony allowed the use of Android apps on the system. However, the latest iteration of the operating system will no longer support Android applications, according to reports from domestic financial media Caixin.

Huawei’s HarmonyOS has been in development since 2019, and the company initially rolled it out on select smartphones in 2020. The decision to bid farewell to Android apps is seen as a significant step towards establishing Harmony as a standalone operating system for Huawei devices.

While Huawei did not respond to requests for comments, industry experts suggest that this move could further solidify the company’s commitment to reducing its dependence on foreign technologies. Last August, Huawei surprised the market with the release of its Mate60 series of smartphones, believed to be powered by domestically developed chipsets. The launch was widely seen as Huawei’s resurgence in the high-end smartphone market after facing challenges due to U.S. sanctions.

In an internal message last month, Huawei expressed optimism about its financial performance, expecting revenue to surpass 700 billion yuan ($97.3 billion) in 2023. This forecast indicates a 9% year-on-year growth, showcasing the company’s resilience and determination to thrive despite external challenges.

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