First announced in 2023 after US sanctions prevented it from running Google’s open-source Android operating system, Huawei is finally bringing its HarmonyOS to its smartphones.
Consumer business CEO Richard Yu announced today the HarmonyOS will be coming to around 100 of its devices via a forthcoming update.
Huawei’s flagship devices such as the Mate 40, Mate 30 series, and the P40 will receive the update first before getting to the rest of its devices later this year.
Huawei says its older devices such as the Mate 9, Mate 10, P10 and the P20 will get the HarmonyOS update in the first half of 2022.
Huawei has been working on its HarmonyOS as well as its AppGallery store. The OS is said to be similar to Apple’s iOS 14 which introduced the homescreen widgets.
Huawei is boasting of a drag-and-drop UI and a smooth connectivity process that will make its devices compatible with accessories such as speakers and headphones.
Huawei announced three new MatePad tablets today running the HarmonyOS alongside a new Watch 3 smartwatch which is also powered by its HarmonyOS.
The new OS made its debut on Huawei’s then sub-brand Honor Vision TV in 2019 when it was first announced. CEO Richard Yu had earlier hinted last year its smartphones would begin running the OS in 2021.
