Huawei is scheduled to release HarmonyOS NEXT on January 18, which represents a significant advancement in the company’s software goals. Unlike HarmonyOS 4, which was built on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) as its foundation, HarmonyOS NEXT is entirely based on Huawei‘s proprietary Harmony kernel, which means that it does not support Android compatibility or the direct execution of existing Android apps (APKs).
This bold move presents a unique opportunity for Chinese developers: since native apps are now the only language supported by HarmonyOS NEXT, there will be a huge demand for programmers who understand its architecture. As a result, more than 400 software companies from a variety of industries, including games, finance, travel, and navigation, have already jumped on board and developed applications specifically for HarmonyOS NEXT.
Furthermore, research firm TechInsights projects that by 2024, HarmonyOS will have overtaken iOS as the second most popular mobile operating system in China as a result of this calculated move, which could pose a serious threat to Android’s hegemony in the nation.
Though the potential is evident, there are still obstacles to overcome. Establishing an app ecosystem from the ground up is no easy task, and gaining widespread app adoption—especially from international players—will be essential to long-term success. That being said, NEXT marks a significant turning point in the company’s journey towards software independence and opens the door for a potentially competitive alternative in the mobile market.
Google Pixel Watch 5 (45mm)
Robert Haba is the founder and editor-in-chief of Droid Tools. A lifelong gadget enthusiast with over a decade following the Android ecosystem, he built this publication to cut through the noise and give readers honest, real-world coverage of the tech they actually use.
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