Huawei Expands HarmonyOS Next Beta Availability to New Devices Amid Market Growth

Earlier this month, Huawei made headlines with the public beta update of its latest operating system, HarmonyOS Next, for the Mate 60 series, Mate X5 series, and the MatePad Pro 13.2-inch series. Now, the tech giant is expanding this rollout to eight additional devices including the Pura 70, Huawei Pura 70 Satellite Messaging Edition, Pura 70 Pro, Pura 70 Pro+, Pura 70 Ultra, Pocket 2, Pocket 2 Art Custom Edition, and the MatePad Pro 11-inch (2024). Users of these models can join the beta program via the “My Huawei” app, by navigating to the “Early Access” section, making it easier for enthusiasts to experience the latest features ahead of the official release.

HarmonyOS Next represents a major evolution in Huawei’s software development, moving towards a single-framework architecture that emphasizes independence. Unlike previous iterations, this version does not support Android compatibility, making HarmonyOS a fully autonomous operating system founded on its own kernel. This strategic pivot underscores Huawei’s commitment to establishing a self-reliant ecosystem, despite facing challenges in the global arena due to trade restrictions.

Rumors surrounding the forthcoming Mate 70 series hint at a potential dual-OS strategy, enabling support for both HarmonyOS Next and Android apps. This approach, suggested by leaker RuiPlaysDigital, aims to satisfy both domestic consumers accustomed to HarmonyOS and international users reliant on Android applications, particularly those associated with Google services that have been affected by U.S. trade sanctions.

Initially introduced in 2015 and officially launched in 2019, HarmonyOS has seen a continuous evolution, with four significant updates since its inception. The unveiling of HarmonyOS Next in January 2024 highlights a renewed focus on creating an entirely native user experience, prioritizing applications specifically designed for the HarmonyOS ecosystem.

Currently, the development landscape for HarmonyOS is promising, as the top 5,000 apps in China are being optimized for this platform. The HarmonyOS Next App Store now boasts over 10,000 applications and services, covering a comprehensive range of user needs. This robust growth is reflected in recent market data; according to Counterpoint Research, HarmonyOS has seen its market share in China soar from 8% in early 2023 to an impressive 17% in the first quarter of 2024. This surge has ultimately enabled HarmonyOS to surpass Apple’s iOS, which experienced a decline from 20% to 16% during the same period, positioning Huawei’s operating system as the second-largest in the country.

Huawei’s Xu Zhijun has underscored the necessity of cultivating a dynamic ecosystem for HarmonyOS to evolve into a comprehensive mobile operating system. Achieving synergy among applications, the operating system, and hardware is critical for enhancing the overall user experience and solidifying market presence.

In conjunction with the ongoing developments, Huawei is set to unveil HarmonyOS Next officially during an event today in China, where the company will also showcase the highly anticipated Nova 13 series. The Mate 70 series is expected to follow suit, with its debut scheduled for November, marking yet another milestone in Huawei’s technological journey.