Huawei drops Android to launch new operating system in 2025
- Huawei plans to release devices starting in 2025 using HarmonyOS Next, a new operating system.
- The launch of the Mate 70, which will be released on December 4, 2024, will mark a significant move away from Android.
- This transition aligns with Huawei's strategy to strengthen its position in the premium market and reduce dependence on US technology.
In November 2024, Huawei Technologies announced that it would release new smartphones and tablets in 2025, running on the HarmonyOS Next operating system, which will no longer utilize any components of Google's Android technology. This move underscores Huawei's strategic shift to reclaim its position in the premium tier of the Chinese smartphone market, which has been challenging Apple’s dominance. This announcement came during a live-streamed event on November 26, 2024, unveiling its flagship device, the Mate 70, which will be powered by locally developed technology and is expected to offer significant performance improvements over its predecessor, the Mate 60. The upcoming Mate 70 series is positioned as a competitive option for Chinese consumers, especially against the backdrop of US trade restrictions impacting Huawei's access to advanced technology and components, including chip manufacturing. Richard Yu, chairman of Huawei's consumer business group, emphasized that HarmonyOS Next would undergo further enhancements over the next few months to optimize user experience. Meanwhile, Huawei has managed to maintain sales growth in China, despite the challenges posed by sanctions, indicating a robust demand for its products amid increasing sales and a strengthening ecosystem that includes various devices aside from smartphones. Additionally, the Mate 70 series was launched as an extension of Huawei's commitment to innovation with the announcement of new products, such as a tablet and a high-end smartwatch, reinforcing its focus on creating a diverse ecosystem of technology independent of US suppliers. However, analysts have expressed skepticism about the Mate 70's ability to attract users who prefer other Android devices, highlighting potential difficulties in transitioning to Huawei's proprietary system in a competitive landscape. Ultimately, the introduction of HarmonyOS Next marks a pivotal step in Huawei's strategy to not only revive its smartphone business but also to foster an entirely indigenous technology ecosystem in China. This strategy aims to diminish the company’s reliance on Western technology providers and ensure its long-term viability in an increasingly regulated and competitive market landscape.