Huawei is preparing to roll out HarmonyOS Next, the upcoming version of its mobile operating system, with a deliberate move away from compatibility with Android applications. This strategy, reported by IT-Home, signals a significant shift in Huawei’s software ecosystem and its approach to app availability for users in Canada and the United States. The company appears determined to minimize reliance on Android while offering a compelling alternative environment for developers and consumers alike.
To ensure a seamless transition for users who have long depended on Android apps, Huawei must present a robust and attractive catalog of native alternatives and cross-platform solutions. IT-Home notes that Huawei is actively engaging a broad spectrum of Chinese tech companies to contribute to this ecosystem. Among the partners mentioned are NetEase, Meituan, ByteDance, DingTalk, and other prominent firms, all invited to participate in the development of HarmonyOS Next software and related services. The aim is to populate the new platform with a wide array of applications and experiences that match the familiarity and utility users expect from Android-based devices.
Industry insiders indicate that these collaborations are already yielding tangible results. IT-Home reports that the listed organizations have opened vacancies to hire developers who can create software tailored for HarmonyOS Next. Salaries on offer exceed typical market rates, underscoring the urgency and importance Huawei places on building a competitive app ecosystem around the new operating system. This talent drive reflects a broader strategy to accelerate the availability of diverse apps and services on the forthcoming platform.
As HarmonyOS Next gains momentum, several companies are moving from planning to execution. Tongcheng Travel, for instance, has announced that its travel app will receive native support for HarmonyOS Next by the end of the year. The updated Tongcheng Travel version will retain all existing features and be fully optimized for the new OS, enabling users to search and book flights and trains, plan itineraries, and reserve hotels within a native HarmonyOS Next experience. This move demonstrates how major service apps can adapt to and leverage the capabilities of Huawei’s evolving ecosystem, potentially delivering faster performance and a more integrated user experience on compatible devices.
It remains clear that Huawei’s strategy centers on creating a viable, self-contained software universe that can rival the Android-leaning approach in other markets. With HarmonyOS Next, the company appears intent on offering developers and consumers a cohesive, feature-rich environment that aligns with its hardware ambitions and regional partnerships. While some observers may compare the transition to older platform shifts, Huawei is positioning HarmonyOS Next as a modern, independent option that can attract new users while retaining those who value deep system integration and performance across devices.
In parallel to these developments, analysts note that the success of HarmonyOS Next will depend on continued collaboration with developers, practical tools, and clear incentives for creating high-quality apps. The ongoing recruitment efforts, the activity of technology partners, and the timely availability of native apps will all contribute to shaping the early adoption curve. As Huawei advances this plan, users in North America will be watching how the new OS aligns with existing app ecosystems and whether cross-platform strategies will ease the transition for those considering Huawei devices in the future.