In the vibrant city of Shenzhen, nestled within the Harmony Ecosystem Innovation Centre, a diverse array of technologies converges to illustrate China’s ambitious software future. Here, a drone hovers, a bipedal robot strides, and a supermarket checkout system operates seamlessly—all powered by OpenHarmony, an operating system championed by Huawei.
Originally launched as an alternative to Google’s Android amidst U.S. sanctions, OpenHarmony has evolved into a cornerstone of China’s technological self-sufficiency strategy. President Xi Jinping’s directive underscores the urgency for China to localize critical technologies, including operating systems, amid geopolitical tensions.
Huawei’s strategic pivot towards HarmonyOS, an iteration of OpenHarmony, has begun to reshape China’s tech landscape. Surpassing Apple’s iOS in early 2024 to become China’s second best-selling mobile OS after Android, HarmonyOS marks a significant milestone for Huawei’s ambitions. Notably, OpenHarmony’s governance has shifted to the non-profit OpenAtom Foundation, signaling broader industry collaboration.
The synergy between OpenHarmony and HarmonyOS underscores a unified approach within China’s broader Harmony ecosystem. Anticipated expansions into PC platforms highlight Huawei’s ambitions to bolster OpenHarmony adoption across diverse sectors.
“Huawei has laid a robust foundation for the future of China’s technological ecosystem,” remarked Richard Yu, chairman of Huawei’s consumer business group, at a recent developer conference.
Despite external pressures, including trade restrictions and global market dynamics, Huawei remains steadfast in its commitment to technological sovereignty. The evolution from Android-based systems to a pure HarmonyOS reflects China’s drive to forge an independent app ecosystem.
OpenHarmony’s rapid growth as an open-source platform is testament to its potential across various industries—from finance to aerospace. Emulating Android’s success, OpenHarmony aims to eliminate licensing costs and provide customizable solutions for companies worldwide.
With strong support from Shenzhen and plans for expansion into additional Chinese cities, the Harmony initiative is poised for further growth. Key developers like Shenzhen Kaihong Digital and Chinasoft contribute significantly to its infrastructure development, underscoring its strategic importance.
While OpenHarmony’s impact remains largely within China, global initiatives, such as the Eclipse Foundation’s use of OpenHarmony for Oniro, suggest broader implications. Analysts predict that Huawei’s market influence and ecosystem development will bolster OpenHarmony’s global appeal over time.
“OpenHarmony is poised for growth, with ongoing iterations and developer confidence driving its future,” noted Emma Xu, an analyst at Canalys.
As China navigates complex geopolitical landscapes, Huawei’s OpenHarmony initiative stands as a testament to its resilience and innovation in shaping the future of global software ecosystems.
