Huawei’s journey since 2018 has been a turbulent one. Facing restrictions, the company has doubled down on its own operating system, HarmonyOS. Powering everything from wearables to the innovative Mate XT Ultimate and Pura X, HarmonyOS aims to be a serious contender in the mobile OS arena. But can it truly compete with established giants like iOS and Android? The answer, complicated by two generations of HarmonyOS, lies in exploring its evolution, capabilities, and the ever-present app gap.
The main display on the Huawei Pura X running HarmonyOS Next when locked
The Rise of HarmonyOS
Following US restrictions, Huawei accelerated development of HarmonyOS, unveiled in 2019. Designed as a unified platform for its entire ecosystem, from smartphones and tablets to IoT devices and even vehicles like the AITO M5, HarmonyOS has ambitious goals. Counterpoint Research data reveals its growth, securing the third-largest smartphone OS market share globally and surpassing iOS in China. This success is driven by a combination of innovative hardware and the versatile nature of HarmonyOS.
HarmonyOS vs. HarmonyOS Next: A Key Distinction
App Gallery on the Cover Display on the Huawei Pura X running HarmonyOS Next
The Pura X signifies a pivotal moment. Earlier HarmonyOS versions included Android libraries, enabling access to Google services via third-party solutions like MicroG, as seen on the Mate XT Ultimate. HarmonyOS Next, however, is built for native HarmonyOS apps and lacks pre-installed Android kernels. This shift necessitates reliance on third-party app stores, creating both familiarity and challenges.
Bridging the App Gap
Third-party app store showing listings for Google Maps, Uber, Citymapper and other popular apps on the Huawei Pura X running HarmonyOS Next
Accessing apps on HarmonyOS Next often involves third-party solutions. While many popular apps are available—Google Maps, Chrome, Uber, social media platforms, messaging apps, and food delivery services—some remain absent, including banking apps, streaming services, and alternatives like Waze. This app gap, though smaller than before, is a key hurdle for HarmonyOS Next’s wider adoption.
Installed apps including Chrome, Booking.com and Google Maps on the Huawei Pura X running HarmonyOS Next
Installed apps including WhatsApp, Messenger and Facebook on the Huawei Pura X running HarmonyOS Next
Beyond the Apps: A Familiar Yet Fast Experience
Huawei Pura X in white main display open rotated
Beyond the app ecosystem, HarmonyOS Next offers a smooth and intuitive user experience. Borrowing elements from other Android interfaces like Oppo and even iOS, Huawei has crafted a user-friendly operating system. The optimized integration of hardware and software delivers impressive performance, reminiscent of Apple’s approach.
Available apps including Google Search, ChatGPT, Gmail and Airbnb on the Huawei Pura X running HarmonyOS Next
The Future of HarmonyOS
Despite the app gap, HarmonyOS shows promise. With a growing developer community and increasing market share, especially in China, the platform is poised for further development. While surpassing Android remains a significant challenge, Huawei’s continued innovation and focus on user experience suggest that HarmonyOS could become a viable competitor in the long run. However, the learning curve for users accustomed to iOS or Android is still steep. The success of devices like the Mate 60, Pura X, and Mate XT Ultimate will be crucial for the continued growth and adoption of HarmonyOS.
