Huawei Unveils HarmonyOS-Powered Mate 70 in Bold Move to Break Free from Android
Huawei has launched its latest flagship smartphone, the Mate 70, marking a significant milestone in its post-Android evolution. The device runs on HarmonyOS Next, a completely self-developed operating system that no longer supports Android apps, signalling Huawei’s strategic shift towards full independence in mobile technology.
The Mate 70, priced from 5,499 yuan ($760), is positioned as Huawei’s most advanced smartphone yet. Speaking at the launch event on Tuesday, Richard Yu, chairman of Huawei’s consumer business, declared, “This is our most powerful phone in the Mate series. We have always been copied but never surpassed.”
Starting next year, all new Huawei phones and tablets will exclusively operate on HarmonyOS, further distancing the company from Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS.
A Response to US Sanctions
The Mate 70’s release follows the Mate 60 series, which stunned industry analysts in 2023 when Huawei demonstrated its ability to produce advanced chips despite stringent US sanctions restricting access to semiconductor technologies. This technological leap underscored Huawei’s resilience and innovation amidst geopolitical challenges.
Lucas Zhong, a research analyst at Canalys, described the Mate 70 as a “critical step” in Huawei’s software evolution. He noted that transitioning away from Android was vital for Huawei to sustain its momentum in the premium market, retain consumer loyalty, and attract users willing to switch platforms.
Resurgence in the Market
The success of the Mate 60 Pro, launched in August 2023, reignited interest in Huawei’s high-end smartphones and bolstered its market share. According to Canalys, Huawei’s share of China’s premium smartphone market (priced above $600) surged from 11% in Q3 2022 to 33% in the same period of 2024, while Apple’s share dropped from 72% to 52%.
This resurgence is a stark contrast to the company’s struggles after US export restrictions in 2019 forced it to sell its budget brand, Honor.
HarmonyOS: A New Ecosystem
Huawei’s journey toward independence began in 2019 with the launch of HarmonyOS, initially compatible with Android apps. Over time, the company invested heavily in creating a fully homegrown ecosystem.
Eric Xu, Huawei’s rotating chairman, stated in April that the company aimed to establish HarmonyOS as the “world’s third mobile operating system,” alongside Android and iOS. He emphasized building the ecosystem within China before expanding globally.
To support this vision, Huawei plans to develop 100,000 HarmonyOS-compatible apps within the next year. “If no one uses it, no matter how advanced the operating system is, it will have no value,” Xu remarked during a recent speech.
Future Prospects
Analysts predict a strong performance for the Mate 70 series, with Mengmeng Zhang of Counterpoint Research forecasting over 10 million shipments during its lifecycle. However, Huawei faces the challenge of growing its developer community and creating a competitive ecosystem to rival established platforms.
The Mate 70’s launch reaffirms Huawei’s ambition to redefine the mobile technology landscape while navigating the complexities of global tech competition and sanctions.
