HarmonyOS NEXT Launches Without Android This Month

Huawei’s HarmonyOS is about to take a big step. The company confirmed HE Harmony Operating System NEXT will be released later this month. The important part of this release is that it doesn’t include any references to Android. While the first iterations of HarmonyOS were based on Android’s Open Source Project (AOSP), which is open source thanks to its Linux core, NEXT will be an entirely new operating system. This marks a significant moment for Huawei, especially after US sanctions cut off access to Google’s Mobile Services.

Huawei HarmonyOS NEXT to Launch Next Month to Reshape Chinese Mobile Market

HarmonyOS was first introduced in 2019, starting in the smart TV market and expanding to smartphones the following year. Since then, it has gained millions of users and expanded its reach to tablets, wearables, and IoT devices. This upcoming launch signals that the platform is moving toward greater autonomy and growth.

Huawei’s ambitions go far beyond simply replacing Android on its devices. HarmonyOS NEXT, known in China as the “Pure Blood” operating system, aims to be completely independent of Android. This involves completely rewriting the software and removing any dependency on Android code.

Chen Xinxin, general manager of HarmonyOS Industry Solutions, emphasized that the new platform is “completely independently developed and autonomous.” This transition is not happening in isolation. Major Chinese developers from industries such as software, gaming, entertainment, and e-commerce have expressed their support for HarmonyOS NEXT. JD.com, one of China’s largest e-commerce platforms, has already completed a local app to be released alongside the new operating system. Huawei has shown great resilience after the US ban. However, its home country has definitely helped the brand survive by continuously supporting all its changes.

The upcoming Huawei Mate 70 is expected to be the first device to feature HarmonyOS NEXT, making it a flagship for not just Huawei but for the future of its entire ecosystem. While it’s unclear whether HarmonyOS NEXT can truly rival Android’s dominance, Huawei’s determination to build a completely independent operating system is noteworthy. We don’t know if a third operating system without Google’s mobile services will have much of a chance outside of China. While it’s possible to unofficially install Google Mobile Apps on existing Huawei smartphones, we don’t think that’s the case with HarmonyOS NEXT, making Huawei’s position outside of China even more complicated. However, when it comes to the Chinese market, the new operating system definitely has the potential to reshape the smartphone market.