Can China create a global Android or iOS competitor?
Oct 29, 2024
auto_awesome
In this insightful discussion, Bryan Ma, Vice President of Client Devices Research at IDC, shares his expertise on Huawei's ambitious launch of HarmonyOS. He explores the potential of this operating system as a serious competitor to Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS, amidst US-China tech tensions. The conversation highlights the challenges Huawei faces in developer transition and ecosystem establishment. Additionally, they discuss the evolving role of AI in smartphones and speculate on the emergence of a revolutionary app that could reshape user experiences.
Huawei's launch of HarmonyOS 5.0 represents a decisive move towards software independence, eliminating reliance on the Android operating system.
The challenges of attracting global app developers and competing internationally illustrate the significant hurdles Huawei faces with HarmonyOS's market integration.
Deep dives
Huawei's Journey to Independence with Harmony OS
Huawei's development of Harmony OS has been significantly influenced by trade tensions and sanctions from the United States. Initially, the operating system was designed to cater to niche applications, primarily in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector. However, the sanctions prompted Huawei to accelerate its plans, ultimately unveiling Harmony OS 5.0, which no longer supports Android applications. This represents a critical milestone as Huawei aims to establish independence in software development and reduce reliance on foreign technology.
Challenges of App Development and Localization
Harmony OS Next poses unique challenges for app developers, especially regarding its ability to operate outside of China. While Huawei has made significant strides with native app offerings in its domestic market, including essential applications like WeChat and Alipay, it faces an uphill battle in integrating globally recognized apps. The need for developers to create new native applications from scratch, instead of adapting existing Android apps, complicates the landscape further. This situation highlights the difficulty in garnering international support for an operating system centered solely on the Chinese market.
Comparative Market Position and Future Prospects
Huawei's advancements with Harmony OS have the potential to reshape its competitive standing against major players like Apple and local brands such as Xiaomi and Oppo. As Huawei continues to build its ecosystem, it may cultivate a strong sense of nationalism among consumers who prefer local products, impacting Apple's market share in China. Nonetheless, Huawei must navigate significant hurdles, including access to advanced components and the challenge of creating a robust app ecosystem. The future of Harmony OS in and outside China remains uncertain, particularly as geopolitical dynamics evolve and competition intensifies.
Huawei has launched an upgraded version of its HarmonyOS mobile operating system, which reportedly no longer relies on the Android operating system. It's a bold push from a Chinese firm, but could Huawei's souped up software signal China is ready to bring a challenger to Apple's iOS or Android to the global market? CNBC's Tom Chitty and Arjun Kharpal are joined by technology industry analyst Bryan Ma from IDC to discuss.