Huawei has launched a self-developed OS built independent of Android architecture, the HarmonyOS Next. HarmonyOS NEXT, the fifth version of the HarmonyOS platform, is reported to offer better performance, stronger system security, and a smoother user experience compared to its predecessors.
Earlier versions of HarmonyOS were partially based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), which meant they needed to maintain compatibility with certain Android apps. In contrast, HarmonyOS NEXT is completely self-developed, built on its own independent framework. The reason for this might be that back in 2019, Washington barred Huawei from doing business with US firms including Google that makes Android.
Enhanced Security Due To Self-Reliance?
According to Xinhua, Xu Zhen, a researcher from the Institute of Information Engineering at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IECAS), highlighted that the platform’s autonomy enables stronger security measures. By developing a proprietary system, China can implement a more secure architecture, safeguarding user data and network connections. According to Counterpoint
Research, HarmonyOS held 17 per cent of China’s smartphone market in the first quarter of this year, overtaking iOS, which had 16 percent, and positioning itself as the second-largest operating system in the country behind Android, which dominates with 67 percent. Huawei reports that HarmonyOS now ranks second in China’s market, with 6.7 million developers registered and over 1 billion ecological devices in its ecosystem, as reported by Xinhua.
Many early users have expressed satisfaction with the system. One user noted that HarmonyOS NEXT delivers a smooth performance with no noticeable lag. The interface has also been revamped, featuring a flatter, more minimalist design that enhances the overall user experience. However, there are also some who contradict this experience and have said that their experiences are quite different.