Huawei Technologies Co. will discontinue the use of Google’s open-source Android tech in new smartphones and tablets starting in 2025, introducing HarmonyOS Next instead. The Mate 70 series is set to enhance performance while enabling Huawei to reclaim market share from Apple and minimize dependence on US technology amidst ongoing sanctions.
Huawei Technologies Co. announced its intention to cease using Google’s open-source Android technology in its new smartphones and tablets starting next year. The company’s forthcoming flagship device, the Mate 70, will feature HarmonyOS Next, which is an iteration of its operating system designed to eliminate any ties to Android, instead relying on entirely indigenous technology. This move is part of Huawei’s broader strategy to reclaim the premium market segment in China, particularly from Apple, while fostering an independent ecosystem devoid of major US technology firms.
The Mate 70 and its Pro variants, set for release on December 4, represent a significant advancement following the previous Mate 60 model. The previous version, equipped with a domestically produced processor, had propelled Huawei back into the spotlight of the smartphone market and demonstrated its capacity to circumvent US trade restrictions. Richard Yu, the chairman of Huawei’s consumer business group, indicated that HarmonyOS Next would require an additional two to three months for optimization but will feature prominently in future devices.
The new Mate 70 series is expected to offer a performance increase of 40 percent compared to its predecessor, attributed in part to the new operating system. However, additional details regarding the processors that will power the devices were not disclosed by Mr. Yu. Industry analysts, such as Charles Shum and Sean Chen from Bloomberg Intelligence, remarked that while Huawei is likely to utilize its latest in-house Kirin chip, its performance may not match the high-end offerings from Qualcomm Inc. and MediaTek Inc., which could limit its appeal to non-Huawei Android users.
This initiative marks a critical step in Huawei’s ongoing efforts to become independent from the impact of US sanctions. Currently, the company is unable to progress beyond the 7nm chipmaking technology for its smartphone and artificial intelligence chips until at least 2026. In contrast, competitors, notably Apple, are transitioning to 2nm technologies for their standard products, as reported by Bloomberg News.
Notwithstanding the challenges posed by US blacklisting and technology limitations, Huawei has experienced growth in its sales over the past seven quarters, largely due to a robust smartphone segment. According to research firm IDC, the company’s shipments in China have shown significant growth, achieving four consecutive quarters of double-digit increases as of September. Furthermore, Huawei introduced various additional products, including a new tablet and a premium gold-plated smartwatch priced at 23,999 yuan, alongside the launch of the world’s first trifold phone powered by in-house designed chips.
Huawei’s announcement regarding its transition away from Google’s open-source Android technology represents a significant shift in its long-term strategy. This decision emerges as a response to continuous US sanctions that have hindered its access to advanced technologies. By developing HarmonyOS Next, Huawei aims to create a more self-reliant ecosystem that aligns with its goals of reclaiming market share in China’s premium smartphone segment and developing competitive devices without reliance on American technology.
In conclusion, Huawei’s plans to launch its Mate 70 series equipped with HarmonyOS Next signify a strategic pivot aimed at reducing dependency on US technology. While the company strives for technological independence and market resurgence, it continues to face industry competition and the repercussions of ongoing sanctions. The success of this transition will depend on the consumer reception of its new products, particularly in light of the formidable competition from established brands.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
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