Huawei has launched the Mate 70 series, featuring its latest self-developed operating system.
This move highlights Huawei’s push for technological independence amid U.S. sanctions.
The Mate 70 follows the Mate 60, which surprised the tech and political spheres last year by featuring advanced semiconductors despite U.S. restrictions, according to CNBC.
Huawei has relied on its proprietary software since being cut off from Google’s Android in 2019.
Huawei has not disclosed the chip powering the Mate 70 but confirmed that it runs on HarmonyOS NEXT, its first fully self-developed mobile operating system.
This marks a shift from earlier versions of HarmonyOS, which were based on open-source Android code.
Huawei aims to position HarmonyOS NEXT as a strong alternative to Android and iOS, particularly in the Chinese market.
HarmonyOS NEXT reportedly no longer relies on open-source Android code, marking a significant milestone in Huawei’s software development and its quest for full technological independence.
“HarmonyOS Next has good potential as an alternative in China,” Will Wong, senior research manager at IDC, stated. “This is not only because of Huawei’s brand name but also because it has been putting effort into attracting developers to join its ecosystem.”
Huawei’s consumer business faced significant setbacks due to U.S. restrictions cutting off access to critical technology, including chips and software.
However, the Mate 60’s launch last year revitalized its business in China, intensifying competition with Apple.
Huawei began accepting reservations for the Mate 70 earlier this month, garnering over 3 million on a Chinese e-commerce platform, though this doesn’t guarantee equivalent sales.
The company has highlighted the phone’s AI features, such as advanced photo editing tools, as it competes in a market where AI innovations are becoming a key selling point.
Chinese manufacturers are racing to showcase their AI advancements ahead of Apple Intelligence’s anticipated launch in the region.
