Huawei’s Android-Free HarmonyOS Next Coming in September 2024!

Huawei is gearing up to launch its very own operating system, HarmonyOS Next, in September 2024, according to a recent leak. The new OS, based on the Hongmeng kernel and system applications, will no longer rely on Google’s Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code. This shift means that all Android apps currently running on Huawei devices will become incompatible. However, Huawei has already prepared for this scenario, with around 4,000 apps compatible with the new OS ready for deployment.

A leak from tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo suggests that Huawei has finalized the rollout date for HarmonyOS Next. The post indicated that candy bar flagships, foldable flagships, mid-range phones, tablets, watches, and more are all scheduled to receive the new OS in September. It seems that Huawei is not planning a phased transition and will instead roll out HarmonyOS Next to all devices simultaneously. Interestingly, the upcoming Huawei Mate 70 series might also launch in September with the new operating system pre-installed.

The visual differences between HarmonyOS Next and Android may not be drastic, as seen in a video posted on YouTube last year by Huawei. However, there are significant differences in app arrangements, widgets, as well as the notification bar and control center, following the design language of previous HarmonyOS iterations.

One major challenge Huawei smartphone users may face is the lack of support for Android apps. This includes apps downloaded from the official Play Store and even those obtained from third-party sources in APK format. HarmonyOS Next apps will only support the native HAP format.

According to a report by Gizmochina, Huawei aims to have 5,000 apps available in its marketplace when the new OS update is rolled out to the first batch of users, with a long-term goal of reaching 500,000 apps.

In conclusion, Huawei’s shift to HarmonyOS Next signals a significant change for its devices, with the potential for incompatibility with Android apps. However, the company is working hard to ensure a smooth transition and provide a wide range of apps for users on its new operating system.