HarmonyOS NEXT unveiled: A standalone OS without reliance on Android APKs!

During the HDC 2023, HUAWEI unveiled what would be the future of its Operating System. However, this time it will be a standalone OS for sure.

The Mate 40 Pro with HarmonyOS Next

Is the future bright for HUAWEI phones?

Currently, the software is exclusively for developers so they can get the substantial information needed to make an app for HUAWEI smartphones.

More preview of the software

If you take a look at it, the design is quite identical to the previous iterations (Android AOSP) but the main difference is that it won't have an Android library and is not compatible with Android APKs.

In layman's terms, this will be a pure HarmonyOS experience and will run HarmonyOS-only applications. If this goes successfully in the near future, the said OS might just be the real competitor to Android and iOS.

However, the real challenge here is that can it really move away from Android or APK support? This is one of the main reasons why the brand hasn't ditched it yet for the HarmonyOS 3 (current) as many users are still relying on APKs to install on their devices.

Right now, the Chinese firm says they have opened it for cooperative enterprise developers this month of August while it will be open to all devs in Q1 of 2024.

In addition, the said software boots on a smartphone with Kirin 9000 series like the MatePad 12.6 and Mate 40 Series.

See running on a tablet

A HUAWEI on-site staff at the HDC 2023 event also said that there will be more devices with different chips that may be adapted for the HarmonyOS NEXT developer beta test.

Another worth pointing out since HarmonyOS will have its own native apps, it will bring a smooth experience on top of energy-efficient, optimized apps, and security.

Lastly, HUAWEI has displayed the foundation to build a pure HarmonyOS app ecosystem. Furthermore, the said NEXT OS will be the official software for all of its devices like smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and third-party platforms.

What do you guys think?

Sources: Weibo, Via: HC Newsroom