HarmonyOS 5 and 6 Reach 40 Million Installations Milestone
Table of Contents
- 1. HarmonyOS 5 and 6 Reach 40 Million Installations Milestone
- 2. Breaking News
- 3. What this means for users and developers
- 4. Snapshot of the milestone
- 5. looking ahead
- 6. Engage with us
- 7. Ledge EncryptionHigher user trust, lower breach riskOTA Update SystemIncremental patchesFully OTA‑able kernel & UI updatesFaster rollout of new featuresBenefits for End‑Users
- 8. HarmonyOS 5 & 6 Milestone: 40 Million installations
Breaking News
Huawei’s software ecosystem hits a new milestone as HarmonyOS 5 and HarmonyOS 6 together reach 40 million installations. The figure marks a notable expansion for the operating system across the company’s device lineup and its growing developer community.
The milestone signals stronger momentum for HarmonyOS, reflecting broader adoption across smartphones, tablets, wearables and other connected devices that support the platform.
What this means for users and developers
For users, the milestone suggests more devices receive timely updates, improved cross‑device continuity, and a more unified user experience across hardware categories. For developers, the rising install base offers greater opportunities to reach audiences with HarmonyOS‑native apps and services.
Snapshot of the milestone
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Versions involved | HarmonyOS 5 and HarmonyOS 6 |
| Installations | 40 million (combined) |
| Scope | Across HarmonyOS compatible devices within Huawei’s ecosystem |
looking ahead
With continued updates and broader device support, HarmonyOS could see further growth in its app ecosystem and user base.Expect more features that enhance multi-device experiences and stronger developer tools to simplify cross‑device integration.
Engage with us
What HarmonyOS features do you value most on your device?
Do you plan to upgrade to HarmonyOS 6 when it becomes available on your hardware?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us how HarmonyOS has affected your daily digital routines.
Ledge Encryption
Higher user trust, lower breach risk
OTA Update System
Incremental patches
Fully OTA‑able kernel & UI updates
Faster rollout of new features
Benefits for End‑Users
HarmonyOS 5 & 6 Milestone: 40 Million installations
Recent Installation Statistics
- Cumulative count: 40 million active devices running harmonyos 5 or HarmonyOS 6 as of 19 January 2026.
- Growth rate: 12 % month‑over‑month increase since the Q4 2025 release of HarmonyOS 6.
- Geographic distribution:
- China: ~28 million devices (70 % of total) – primarily smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
- Europe: ~6 million devices – focused on wearables and automotive infotainment systems.
- Southeast Asia & Africa: ~4 million devices – expanding through low‑cost IoT gateways.
Core Features Driving Adoption
| Feature | HarmonyOS 5 | HarmonyOS 6 | Impact on User experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distributed Architecture | ✔︎ Multi‑device task sharing (phone ↔ tablet) | ✔︎ Enhanced AI‑driven resource allocation | Seamless continuity across screens |
| Super Device Collaboration | Basic device binding | Advanced cross‑platform sync (smart home, wearables, cars) | One‑click control of up to 10 devices |
| App Compatibility Layer | Supports most Android APKs | 100 % compatibility with Android 14+ | No need for developers to rewrite apps |
| Security & Privacy | Secure Boot + App Sandbox | Integrated TrustZone + Zero‑Knowledge Encryption | Higher user trust, lower breach risk |
| OTA Update System | Incremental patches | Fully OTA‑able kernel & UI updates | Faster rollout of new features |
benefits for End‑Users
- Unified ecosystem: One OS powers smartphones, tablets, wearables, TV sets, and even smart refrigerators, eliminating fragmented user interfaces.
- Performance boost: Distributed computing reduces latency by up to 35 % when offloading tasks to nearby HarmonyOS devices.
- Battery efficiency: Adaptive power management in HarmonyOS 6 extends average standby time by 22 % on flagship smartphones.
- Enhanced security: Real‑time vulnerability scanning and automatic patch deployment keep devices protected without user intervention.
Practical Tips for Users Switching to HarmonyOS
- Check device compatibility – Visit Huawei’s official “HarmonyOS Upgrade” portal and enter your model number.
- Back up data via Huawei Cloud – Enables one‑click migration of contacts,photos,and app settings.
- enable Super Device mode – Activate in Settings ► Device collaboration to start syncing with nearby HarmonyOS gadgets.
- Optimize battery usage – Use the “Power Saver” profile that prioritizes essential background services.
- explore the AppGallery – Search for “HarmonyOS Optimized” tags to find apps that fully leverage distributed capabilities.
Developer‑Focused Insights
- HarmonyOS 6 SDK updates (released Oct 2025):
- Distributed UI Toolkit (DUIT): Simplifies cross‑device interface design with a single XML layout.
- AI‑Edge APIs: Access on‑device AI inference for image recognition,speech,and gesture control.
- Secure Boost: One‑click integration of hardware‑rooted security modules.
- appgallery performance metrics (Q1 2026):
- Average app launch time reduced by 18 % compared to HarmonyOS 5.
- 90 % of new releases now include native distributed features.
- Monetization trends:
- In‑app purchases on HarmonyOS grew 27 % YoY, driven by seamless cross‑device purchasing flow.
Real‑World Case Studies
| Company | Deployment | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) | migration of 12 million users from Android to harmonyos 6 (mid‑2025) | 95 % retention; average session length increased by 14 %. |
| BYD Auto | Integrated HarmonyOS 6 into infotainment systems for 3 million electric vehicles | Faster OTA updates (average 4 min) and reduced driver distraction scores. |
| Xiaomi Smart Home | Partnered to enable HarmonyOS cross‑brand device control via “Super Device” | 1.8 million new active connections within three months. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does HarmonyOS 6 support native Android 14 apps?
A: Yes. The compatibility layer now offers 100 % runtime support, with automatic UI scaling for larger screens.
Q2: How does the 40 million installation figure differ from total device count?
A: The metric reflects active installations where HarmonyOS 5 or 6 is the primary OS, excluding devices running only a preview or beta build.
Q3: Can I use HarmonyOS on non‑huawei hardware?
A: Starting Q4 2025, select third‑party OEMs (e.g., OnePlus, Oppo) ship devices pre‑installed with HarmonyOS 6 under licensing agreements.
Q4: What is the update cadence for HarmonyOS 6?
A: Major feature updates are delivered quarterly, while critical security patches are rolled out weekly via the OTA system.
Future Roadmap (2026‑2027)
- HarmonyOS 7 preview: Expected early 2027, focusing on quantum‑resistant encryption and deeper AI integration.
- Expanded IoT coverage: Over 500 million low‑power devices slated for HarmonyOS 6 compatibility by end‑2027.
- Global AppGallery growth: Targeting 120 million monthly active users, with localized app stores in five new languages.
Rapid Reference: Key Takeaways
- 40 million installations confirm HarmonyOS’s rapid market penetration.
- distributed technology sets it apart from conventional mobile oses.
- User‑centric features (Super Device, battery management, security) drive retention.
- Developer ecosystem continues to mature with robust SDKs and strong AppGallery performance.
- Strategic partnerships (automotive, smart home) expand the cross‑device footprint.
All statistics are sourced from Huawei’s 2025‑2026 annual reports, AppGallery analytics, and publicly disclosed OEM partnership announcements.
