The landscape of mobile operating systems in China has experienced a tectonic shift. Huawei Technologies’ homegrown platform, HarmonyOS, has surprisingly surpassed Apple’s iOS, staking a claim as the second-largest mobile operating system in the mainland. This seismic change was catalyzed by the robust domestic demand for Huawei’s 5G smartphones, notably the Mate 60 series. According to market insights from Counterpoint Research, HarmonyOS now boasts a 17% share of the market in the first quarter, doubling its 8% share from the previous year. Despite a precarious position under escalating tech restrictions from the US government, Huawei’s steadfast development of HarmonyOS as an Android alternative seems to be paying dividends.
Navigating Through Restrictions
The momentum behind HarmonyOS’s rise can be ascribed to multiple factors, chief among them being Huawei’s resilient push against the stringent tech restrictions imposed by the US. Stripped of the option to use the Android ecosystem, Huawei doubled down on HarmonyOS, transforming the challenge into an opportunity for growth. This resolve has not only cemented HarmonyOS’s position in China but also serves as a testament to the potential success of an operating system beyond the Android-iOS duopoly. As Huawei fortifies its supply chain at home, the potential for greater market expansion looms, further increasing the appeal and reach of its proprietary operating system.
The decline in iOS’s share to 16% against HarmonyOS’s climb highlights a broader narrative, where domestic brands can potentially pivot to become more self-reliant. Despite the global dominance of Android at 68%, and iOS and Android combined leading vastly worldwide, there’s an evident ripple in the otherwise still waters. Moreover, the global footprint of HarmonyOS remains modest, at a mere 4% share. Yet, this holds significant meaning — a narrative of resilience and a hint at the possibilities that lie ahead for Huawei and their homegrown operating system.
A Vision for Expansion
China’s mobile OS landscape has dramatically shifted. HarmonyOS, developed by Huawei Technologies, has usurped Apple’s iOS, solidifying itself as the second-largest mobile OS in China. This monumental shift has been fueled by the fervent local appetite for Huawei’s advanced 5G phones, like the Mate 60 series. Data from Counterpoint Research indicates HarmonyOS skyrocketed to a 17% market share in Q1, a significant jump from just 8% the year prior. This is in spite of the US imposing stringent tech sanctions on Huawei. Still, the Chinese tech giant’s dedication to evolving HarmonyOS as a viable Android substitute is evidently reaping benefits. Huawei’s homegrown software surge underscores the company’s resilience and the nation’s burgeoning technological autonomy. Against the odds, Huawei’s HarmonyOS has become a true contender in China’s mobile OS market, illustrating the dynamic, rapidly evolving tech landscape.
