Huawei has recently unveiled HarmonyOS NEXT, a significant upgrade to its operating system. This new version is completely independent of Android and does not support Android-based apps. According to a report by Android Headlines, HarmonyOS NEXT is built on the open-source OpenHarmony project.
While the initial launch will be in China, the OS is expected to be available globally in the future. HarmonyOS NEXT features various improvements compared to the original HarmonyOS, including a redesigned lock screen with customizable options, a revamped control center, and faster animations. The home screen remains similar to the previous HarmonyOS version.
HarmonyOS NEXT integrates AI capabilities based on the Pangu language model and introduces a new security system named “Star Shield” to enhance device security. Huawei has stated that the HarmonyOS NEXT ecosystem now includes 15,000 apps and services.
Due to heavy restrictions on Huawei products in the U.S., HarmonyOS NEXT was developed without Android. The U.S. government has placed bans on using Huawei products at the federal level over national security concerns, making it difficult for consumers to access Huawei products in the country. HarmonyOS NEXT is currently in public beta in China and supports devices like the Huawei Pura 70 series, Huawei Pocket 2, and Huawei MatePad Pro 11 (2024).
In addition to HarmonyOS NEXT, Huawei has also introduced new products such as the MatePad Pro 12.2 and MatePad 12 X, both of which are Android-based tablets. The company has also launched new smartwatches in recent months.
