As Huawei nears the impressive milestone of one billion mobile devices in circulation, it has introduced HarmonyOS NEXT, a groundbreaking operating system that fully breaks away from Android apps. This bold step highlights Huawei’s drive for technological independence and sets the stage for a competitive challenge to both Apple and the broader Android ecosystem. Huawei’s journey to this milestone reflects its resilience and innovative spirit, particularly in light of challenges like U.S. sanctions and restricted access to essential technology. Despite these obstacles, Huawei has not only sustained but expanded its market reach, particularly within China. The milestone underscores Huawei’s ability to thrive in a highly competitive and geopolitically complex market, marking a new chapter in the company’s evolution and impact on the global tech landscape. Huawei's consumer business chairman, Richard Yu, recently shared that around 900 million active devices now run HarmonyOS, marking significant growth from just months ago. This expansion indicates HarmonyOS’s strong reception, not only on Huawei devices but also across third-party products, highlighting how well the ecosystem is integrating and being adopted by users and partners alike. Yu also announced at Huawei's annual developer forum that sales of premium Huawei smartphones surged by 72% in early 2024. This boost was largely driven by the launch of the Mate 60 Pro, which featured an advanced 7nm processor, a major technological leap that invigorated Huawei’s comeback. This release, along with other flagship models, contributed to a fivefold increase in profits in Q1 2024 and enabled Huawei to reclaim market share from competitors, including Apple and local brands. With bold optimism, Yu remarked, “The future of HarmonyOS is set. Let’s enjoy the brilliant galaxy that belongs to us,” underscoring Huawei's confidence in HarmonyOS as a cornerstone of its tech ecosystem going forward.

What is HarmonyOS Next?

HarmonyOS NEXT is the latest version of Huawei's HarmonyOS operating system, launched in October 2024. This version represents Huawei's commitment to a fully independent OS that no longer relies on Android’s framework, marking a significant shift toward a self-sustaining software ecosystem. Unlike previous versions that were compatible with some Android applications, HarmonyOS NEXT is built entirely with Huawei’s own technologies and emphasizes greater security, device compatibility, and user experience.

What are the Key Features of HarmonyOS NEXT?

  1. Native HarmonyOS Architecture: The OS has been redesigned to function independently of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), which Huawei previously used as a base. This move aims to reduce reliance on Android apps and create a distinct ecosystem.
  2. Enhanced Privacy and Security: The introduction of the "Star Shield" architecture provides stricter data permissions, enhanced encrypted sharing, and tools to limit unauthorized access. Huawei has also reduced the frequency of permission pop-ups and includes detailed access logs for user control over data usage.
  3. Improved Performance: The new system integrates the Ark Engine, refining graphics, multimedia, and memory management for smoother multitasking and increased battery life. Huawei claims HarmonyOS NEXT is 30% smoother than its predecessors and offers enhanced cross-device functionality via the Distributed Soft Bus.
  4. AI-Powered Smart Assistant: The updated XiaoYi Assistant, powered by Huawei’s Pangu AI model, provides deeper AI-driven functionalities, including advanced document processing, voice and gesture commands, and image editing features.
  5. Cross-Device Integration: HarmonyOS NEXT supports extensive cross-device interactions, such as clipboard synchronization, cross-device gallery sharing, and seamless file sharing, reinforcing Huawei's goal of a unified ecosystem.
With HarmonyOS NEXT, Huawei seeks to create an OS that is tailored to its hardware offerings, offering users a unique experience while reducing dependence on Google’s Android ecosystem.

How is HarmonyOS Different from AndroidOS?

HarmonyOS and AndroidOS differ in their architecture, device ecosystem focus, app compatibility, and overall goals. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:

1. Architecture 

   - HarmonyOS is a microkernel-based distributed OS that Huawei developed to operate smoothly across a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, and smart TVs. This microkernel approach offers flexibility for inter-device communication and more efficient resource management.    - AndroidOS is based on a monolithic kernel (Linux-based) designed primarily for smartphones and tablets. It’s highly customizable but mainly optimized for single-device usage rather than cross-device functionality.

2. Ecosystem and Device Compatibility

   - HarmonyOS focuses on creating a seamless, unified ecosystem that enables interaction across multiple Huawei devices, allowing for shared resources and collaborative experiences. HarmonyOS NEXT further enhances this by operating without any dependency on Android.    - AndroidOS supports a large array of devices but primarily in the smartphone and tablet space. While Android can be adapted for other devices (e.g., Android TV or Wear OS), its functionality is not as tightly integrated across multiple types of hardware as HarmonyOS aims to be.

3. App Compatibility and Ecosystem

   - HarmonyOS supports Huawei’s AppGallery and can run some Android apps, but as of HarmonyOS NEXT, it is moving towards building an independent ecosystem with native Harmony apps. This strategic shift is designed to reduce dependency on Google services.    - AndroidOS has Google Play Store support and a massive global app library, making it highly versatile and compatible with a vast range of applications. It also benefits from Google’s continuous updates, security patches, and features like Google Assistant.

4. User Experience (UI/UX)

   - HarmonyOS emphasizes a unified and seamless experience across devices, with adaptable layouts and inter-device coordination. For example, HarmonyOS allows easy switching between devices, such as dragging and dropping content or sharing screens across Huawei devices.    - AndroidOS has a diverse UI experience, often tailored by different manufacturers, which can lead to variations in user experience across devices. Android allows for broad customization, but the ecosystem doesn’t inherently offer the same level of device integration as HarmonyOS.

5. Security

   - HarmonyOS utilizes a microkernel architecture, which isolates critical processes to improve security. Its new “Star Shield” in HarmonyOS NEXT enhances data protection, restricts unauthorized access, and provides detailed access logs.    - AndroidOS has robust security protocols, regular updates, and Google’s centralized control over app verification. However, because it’s open-source, Android may have a larger attack surface, and its reliance on different OEMs can impact the consistency of security updates.

Tabular Comparison of HarmonyOS and Android

Features HarmonyOS AndroidOS
Architecture Microkernel-based, distributed OS for cross-device use Monolithic kernel (Linux-based)
Primary Focus Unified, seamless multi-device experience (Smartphones, TV, IoT, etc) Primarily Smartphones and Tablets
Device Ecosystem  Integrated across Huawei devices; emphasized cross-device communication Broad compatibility across brands but less cross-device interaction
App Ecosystem Huawei AppGallery; compatible with some Android apps Google Play Store with a vast global app library
User Interface(UI/UX) Consistent, adaptable interface across devices Varied by manufacturer; more customizable but less unified
Voice Assistant Huawei’s Celia  Google Assistant 
Security Model  Enhanced security through microkernel and “Star Shield” in HarmonyOS NEXT  Centralized security with Google Play Protect
Developer Flexibility  Distributed Virtual Bus for building cross-device applications Open-source Android SDK with a vast developer community 
Performance Optimized for multi-device use; faster inter-device communication Distributed Virtual Bus for building cross-device applications
Market Availability Primarily in Huawei’s ecosystem and in China   Global availability across multiple manufacturers      
Open-Source Limited open-source elements Open-source core with customizations by OEMs
Launch Date  First launched in 2019, HarmonyOS NEXT in 2024 First launched in 2008                                    

Impact of HarmonyOS on AndroidOS

Huawei’s shift away from Android is reshaping the Android ecosystem, as one of the world’s largest smartphone makers creates its own OS. This could prompt other manufacturers to consider alternatives, leading to a more diverse OS landscape with new ecosystems and potentially intensified competition. Such fragmentation could drive Android to innovate in multi-device integration, security, and IoT, as well as in supporting unique app environments to remain competitive. While increased diversity may foster innovation as companies target niche markets, it also brings challenges, like compatibility issues and complexity for developers and users. Google may face added pressure to strengthen its offerings to retain its dominant position and address fragmentation concerns. Overall, Huawei’s departure from Android could spur both opportunities and challenges for Android manufacturers, ultimately redefining competition and mobile application development within the mobile OS market.

Impact of HarmonyOS on Apple iOS

The rise of HarmonyOS poses significant challenges for Apple, particularly in the Chinese market, where Huawei has a strong home-field advantage. As HarmonyOS expands its ecosystem, Apple is facing increased competition not only in hardware but also in software integration. Huawei's ecosystem, which is designed to seamlessly connect smartphones, wearables, smart TVs, and IoT devices, threatens to draw consumers away from Apple's tightly controlled ecosystem. HarmonyOS's focus on privacy, AI-powered smart capabilities, and inter-device communication could push Apple to innovate further, especially in areas like cross-device integration and AI-driven features. As Huawei continues to refine its software and build its AppGallery, which is an Alternative App Store for Apple and Android, Apple may also need to reconsider its app policies and open up its ecosystem to new opportunities. On a broader level, HarmonyOS challenges Apple's dominance by offering an alternative smart ecosystem tailored to the needs of the Chinese market, which could eventually ripple across other regions. Apple's response will likely involve increasing its localization efforts and further emphasizing its strengths in privacy and security to maintain its market share.

Tabular Comparison of HarmonyOS and iOS

Features HarmonyOS iOS
Architecture Microkernel-based, distributed OS for multi-device integration Hybrid kernel (XNU: Unix-based, custom for iOS)
Primary Focus Unified experience across a range of devices (smartphones, tablets, wearables, IoT)  Smartphones, tablets, and wearables (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch)
Device Ecosystem  Integrated across Huawei devices with a strong IoT focus   Closed ecosystem, optimized for Apple’s own hardware (iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.) 
App Ecosystem Huawei AppGallery, compatibility with some Android apps Apple App Store with strict guidelines and a curated app selection 
User Interface(UI/UX) Consistent UI across devices, adaptable layouts  Consistent, polished UI optimized across all Apple devices    
Voice Assistant Huawei’s Celia Siri
Security Model  Enhanced security via microkernel and HarmonyOS NEXT's Star Shield Advanced security, regular updates, data encryption 
Developer Flexibility  Distributed Virtual Bus for cross-device app development  Proprietary SDK (Xcode) with strict app guidelines
Performance Optimized for inter-device communication and multi-device performance Seamless performance across Apple hardware, optimized for specific devices
Market Availability Primarily in Huawei’s ecosystem and in China  Global availability, restricted to Apple devices
Open-Source Limited open-source elements                                     Closed-source, proprietary system  
Launch Date  First launched in 2019, HarmonyOS NEXT in 2024                                           First launched in 2007               
 

Huawei's Strategic Shift Toward an Independent Tech Ecosystem

Huawei's strategic shift toward an independent tech ecosystem highlights a growing trend among major tech companies to prioritize proprietary software environments, enhancing their autonomy. By developing HarmonyOS NEXT, Huawei gains control over its operating system and core software, aligning with China’s broader goal of technological self-reliance. This move sends a signal to other tech giants who may feel pressure to follow suit in order to maintain market relevance.  HarmonyOS NEXT, with its privacy-focused and AI-driven smart features, offers a glimpse into the future of mobile technology. Consumers increasingly seek secure, seamless interactions with their devices without sacrificing data privacy. Companies that excel in creating intelligent, user-friendly experiences through machine learning and AI are well-positioned to succeed in this evolving landscape.

HarmonyOS NEXT Giving a Tough Fight to iOS in Security and Smoothness

HarmonyOS NEXT has entered the smartphone OS space, bringing advanced security features and improved smoothness. Launched on October 22, it introduces AI-driven privacy tools, faster file-sharing, better battery management, and other smart capabilities. Despite being a new contender, HarmonyOS NEXT challenges Apple's iOS with its superior fluency and user experience. Reviews from users switching from iPhone have praised its smooth animation, with one beta tester noting that the experience is far more fluid compared to iOS, which feels slower by comparison. HarmonyOS NEXT claims to offer a 30% improvement in fluency over previous versions. On the security front, HarmonyOS NEXT takes significant steps to protect user data. It prevents the installation of risky apps and removes nine unnecessary permissions that could compromise privacy, including:
  1. Reading the list of installed apps
  2. Accessing text messages
  3. Accessing storage files
  4. Creating home screen shortcuts
  5. Obtaining device information
  6. Displaying floating windows
  7. Accessing call logs
  8. Installing apps within apps
  9. Making and managing calls
This heightened security approach positions HarmonyOS NEXT ahead of iOS in terms of user protection and smooth performance.

Conclusion

Huawei's release of HarmonyOS NEXT represents a bold leap toward technological independence, signaling a shift in the mobile operating system landscape. As Huawei nears one billion active devices, the company’s focus on creating a seamless, cross-device ecosystem offers an enticing alternative to both Android and iOS, particularly within China. HarmonyOS NEXT’s emphasis on privacy, AI-driven features, and multi-device integration positions it as a powerful challenger to Apple and Google’s dominance in the global tech market. Huawei’s journey from overcoming geopolitical hurdles to expanding its market share demonstrates its resilience and innovative spirit. The successful launch of the Mate 60 Pro and the continued growth of HarmonyOS show that Huawei is not just surviving but thriving in a fiercely competitive and complex environment. As HarmonyOS NEXT continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly influence the broader tech ecosystem, pushing competitors like Apple and Google to reconsider their strategies, particularly in areas like cross-device integration, privacy, and AI. The future of mobile operating systems is poised to be more diverse, with new opportunities for innovation and competition. Whether Huawei can replicate its domestic success globally remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the landscape of mobile technology is changing, and HarmonyOS NEXT is at the forefront of that transformation.