China’s Huawei Technologies is doubling down on its efforts to expand its HarmonyOS ecosystem, targeting 100,000 applications within the next 6 to 12 months. This bold move underscores Huawei’s drive for technological self-reliance as it navigates the impact of U.S. sanctions that have disrupted its access to critical global technologies.
HarmonyOS: A Rising Alternative
Launched five years ago in response to U.S. sanctions cutting off Huawei’s access to Google’s Android platform, HarmonyOS was envisioned as an independent operating system catering to Huawei’s broad portfolio of devices, including smartphones, laptops, and IoT products. Today, it boasts over 15,000 applications capable of meeting consumers’ basic needs. However, the tech giant is pushing to enrich the system with diverse, personalized apps to elevate it to global standards.
At a conference on Saturday, Huawei’s rotating chairman Xu Zhijun emphasized the importance of achieving this milestone. “For the Harmony ecosystem to be mature in meeting consumer needs, 100,000 apps is the milestone, and that is the key objective over the next six to 12 months,” Xu said in a speech shared via WeChat.
Addressing Strategic Challenges
Huawei’s ambitious target reflects the urgency of reducing dependency on foreign technologies, particularly amidst heightened tensions between China and the United States. The sanctions, which began under former U.S. President Donald Trump, have significantly restricted Huawei’s access to advanced semiconductors, software, and other critical technologies.
“Due to the U.S. sanctions, Huawei has been forced to accelerate developing its own operating system,” Xu said. He highlighted that even the most sophisticated operating system would lack value without widespread adoption and robust developer support.
Rallying Developers and Institutions
To achieve its app ecosystem goals, Huawei is actively courting developers, government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and social organizations. Xu urged them to adopt HarmonyOS as their primary operating system, a move he believes is critical for building a resilient and self-reliant digital ecosystem.
Developers have been called upon to “work hard to enrich app offerings,” creating boutique and specialized applications to enhance the system’s appeal. The company hopes that government support and institutional adoption will accelerate the integration of HarmonyOS across multiple sectors.
Balancing Innovation and Adoption
Huawei’s open-source strategy for HarmonyOS has also played a key role in its growth. By providing developers with tools to create apps tailored to the platform, the company seeks to foster a community-driven approach to innovation. However, the road to widespread adoption remains challenging. Competing with established operating systems like Android and iOS requires not just functionality but also user trust and loyalty.
Xu acknowledged this challenge, stating that the company must ensure that HarmonyOS is not only technologically advanced but also widely used. With growing concerns over data security and technological sovereignty, Huawei’s vision aligns with China’s broader strategy to fortify its domestic technology landscape.
A New Era for Chinese Technology
Huawei’s plan to scale up its app ecosystem reflects a broader push within China to reduce reliance on foreign technology amidst geopolitical tensions. Beyond HarmonyOS, other Chinese companies are also innovating in hardware and software to compete on the global stage.
If successful, Huawei’s HarmonyOS could become a symbol of resilience and innovation in the face of international challenges. However, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the company can inspire developers and users to embrace its platform, achieving the maturity it envisions.
By setting an ambitious target, Huawei is not just seeking to develop a competitive operating system but is also taking a significant step towards redefining the global technology landscape. With robust developer support and institutional backing, HarmonyOS could emerge as a formidable alternative to Western-dominated ecosystems, signaling a new era for Chinese technology.
