Huawei, a leading Chinese technology company, is set to release the upcoming version of its HarmonyOS, known as HarmonyOS Next. Unlike previous iterations of HarmonyOS, HarmonyOS Next will not support Android apps. This move marks a significant shift for Huawei as it moves away from relying on Android-based applications and looks to establish its own ecosystem.
In August 2019, Huawei announced HarmonyOS as an alternative to Android after being banned by the US from using American technology. HarmonyOS was initially based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and supported Android applications. However, with HarmonyOS Next, Huawei is moving away from this support, signaling a clear departure from Android apps.
The exclusion of Android app support in HarmonyOS Next has implications for both companies and end users. Companies that previously developed Android apps will now need to allocate resources and funds to develop native applications for HarmonyOS Next. This means additional costs and efforts for businesses, potentially impacting their ability to reach Huawei’s user base.
For end users, the absence of Android app support means that they may not find their favorite applications on Huawei’s app store, AppGallery, upon the release of HarmonyOS Next. Many companies are still in the process of developing apps for HarmonyOS Next, which could result in a limited selection of applications when it first rolls out. This may frustrate users who are accustomed to accessing a wide range of apps on Android-based devices.
Huawei’s global market presence, particularly in regions where Android dominates, raises questions about the availability and compatibility of applications on Huawei devices running HarmonyOS Next. This uncertainty may influence consumer behavior and market acceptance of Huawei’s new operating system.
Source: SCMP