Huawei Unveils Milestone Smartphone with HarmonyO

AFP/APP

Beijing: Huawei, the Chinese tech giant, has unveiled its first smartphone powered by its fully homegrown operating system, marking a significant milestone in its challenge against the dominance of Western tech giants like Apple and Google.

The new Mate 70 devices run on Huawei’s HarmonyOS Next, a bold step in the company’s effort to reduce reliance on Western software, which is currently dominated by Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android.

This launch represents a major comeback for Huawei, which faced significant setbacks due to US sanctions in recent years.

However, the company has since seen a resurgence in sales, signaling its resilience. More than three million units of the new Mate 70 have been pre-ordered on Huawei’s online platform, though these do not require immediate payment.

HarmonyOS Next is a completely revamped version of Huawei’s previous operating system, which was based on Android’s open-source code.

The new OS requires developers to rework their apps to function properly on the Mate 70, marking a significant challenge in terms of app availability and compatibility. The phone is also powered by an advanced, domestically-produced chip, which strengthens China’s technological self-reliance.

Experts note that while HarmonyOS Next is a key step in reducing dependence on Western technologies, there are still hurdles to overcome.

Gary Ng, a senior economist at Natixis, highlighted that the success of the system depends on whether it can offer global consumers the same variety of apps and functionalities as Android or iOS.

Huawei’s continued success in the smartphone market, following years of strained relations with the US, will be a key indicator of China’s growing tech capabilities. The company, once China’s largest smartphone maker, now holds about 16% of the Chinese market, according to recent reports.

The Mate 70’s price has yet to be revealed, but its predecessor launched at $750. While Huawei has introduced high-end devices like the Mate XT, a triple-folding phone priced at $2,800, it remains to be seen whether the new Mate 70 can compete effectively in both domestic and international markets, especially given the potential reluctance of foreign app developers to adapt their offerings to HarmonyOS Next.

Ultimately, Huawei’s long-term success in pushing HarmonyOS will depend on continuous improvements to the software and its ability to attract a robust developer community.