Huawei’s homegrown HarmonyOS is predicted to dethrone Apple’s iOS in 2024 as the second most popular smartphone operating system in China, according to a new report by TechInsights (via South China Morning Post).
This ambitious projection stems from various factors, including Huawei’s triumphant and surprising return to the 5G scene with its latest Mate 60 series, easing supply constraints, and a concerted effort to cultivate a robust app ecosystem for HarmonyOS Next, the Chinese company’s project to completely rid its operating system from any Android codebase.
Huawei’s comeback began with the patriotic fervor surrounding the Mate 60 Pro, the first 5G phone from the company to feature its own chip technology despite US sanctions. This surge in national pride translated into strong demand, propelling HarmonyOS adoption within China. The forecast of easing supply challenges for key components like the homegrown Kirin 9000 chipset further fuels optimism for Huawei’s continued momentum.
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Beyond hardware, the software side of the equation is receiving a major boost with the upcoming HarmonyOS Next, a version designed to run native apps instead of relying on Android compatibility. This shift is attracting big names in the Chinese tech landscape, with players like Alipay, JD.com, NetEase, and even McDonald’s China committing to developing native apps for the platform.
However, HarmonyOS’s potential global dominance remains shrouded in uncertainty. Android and iOS continue to hold a formidable grip on the international market, and it’s unclear if Huawei’s success in China will translate to wider adoption elsewhere. Additionally, the question of whether other phone makers will embrace HarmonyOS remains open, potentially limiting its reach beyond Huawei’s own devices.
More than 700 million devices currently run on HarmonyOS, with more than 2.2 million third-party developers creating apps for the platform.
Richard Yu Chengdong, CEO of Huawei’s consumer business group
While Huawei’s HarmonyOS is undoubtedly making waves in China, its ascent to the global throne faces significant hurdles. Nonetheless, the company’s strategic maneuvers and growing developer support warrant close attention, as HarmonyOS carves its path in the ever-evolving mobile operating system landscape.
