HarmonyOS 5 Reaches Milestone with 17 Million Devices Deployed

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Huawei‘s HarmonyOS Achieves major Milestone, Fueled by AI Investment

Shenzhen, China – Huawei Technologies is demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of ongoing restrictions, as its independently developed operating system, HarmonyOS, continues to gain significant traction. Recent announcements confirm that the number of devices operating on HarmonyOS 5 has exceeded 17 million, marking a significant leap in the system’s adoption and expansion.

Strategic Investment in Artificial Intelligence

Alongside this milestone, Huawei revealed a significant investment of 1 billion yuan (approximately $140.6 million USD) dedicated to bolstering innovation within the HarmonyOS AI ecosystem. This financial commitment underscores Huawei’s ambition to establish a robust software platform capable of competing effectively in the burgeoning age of Artificial Intelligence.

Expanding ecosystem and Device Integration

Zhu Yonggang,President of Huawei’s Terminal Cloud Services,stated that the rapid growth of HarmonyOS represents a “collective change” within China’s technology sector,driven by collaborative innovation. Huawei is integrating HarmonyOS 5 across its entire product portfolio,including Smartphones,Personal Computers,Tablets,Smartwatches,and Smart screens.

The operating system is engineered to provide a fluid, AI-driven experience that transcends conventional technological limitations. Such as, Huawei’s folding-screen laptops are now integrating HarmonyOS AI to deliver a more unified submission environment, while its innovative triple-fold smartphones are blurring the lines between mobile and desktop computing.

HarmonyOS vs. Dominant Operating Systems

Industry experts note that HarmonyOS’s success is all the more notable considering the established dominance of google’s Android and Apple’s iOS in the global operating system landscape. Wang Liansheng, an expert from the China Electronics Standardization Association, emphasized that the growth demonstrates the determination and capacity of Chinese tech companies to overcome technical barriers.

Here’s a comparison of the leading mobile operating systems as of late 2024:

Operating System	Market Share (Global)	Developer
Android	71.2%	Google
iOS	28.1%	Apple
HarmonyOS	~2%	Huawei

Source: Statcounter (November 2024)

OpenHarmony: A Foundation for Innovation

The HarmonyOS ecosystem is based on openharmony, an open-source project initiated after Huawei contributed the core components of its operating system to the OpenAtom Foundation in 2020 and 2021. Over the last five years, OpenHarmony has accumulated over 130 million lines of code and attracted contributions from more than 9,200 developers.

This collaborative platform has facilitated the development of over 1,300 hardware and software products and more than 70 industry-specific distributions,serving sectors like finance,transportation,education,energy,aerospace,and consumer electronics.OpenHarmony is emerging as a critical digital foundation for various industries.

Strategic Significance for China’s Tech Independence

Song Jia, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Association for Promoting UN Procurement, highlighted the strategic importance of HarmonyOS’s development for China’s digital independence and innovation. She indicated that reaching 17 million devices signifies a pivotal point, propelling HarmonyOS into a phase of accelerated growth.

did you know? HarmonyOS is not just for smartphones. It’s designed to connect all types of devices, from appliances to vehicles, creating a truly interconnected experience.

The Future of HarmonyOS and AI Integration

Huawei’s commitment to the HarmonyOS AI ecosystem is centered on AI agents, which are expected to be a defining feature of the operating system’s future evolution. The company is actively supporting developers in building AI-native micro-services and intelligent agents. With its inherent strengths in AI and comprehensive connectivity, HarmonyOS is poised to deliver more elegant AI experiences that are set to transform how users interact with details and services.

Pro Tip: Developers interested in building for HarmonyOS can find resources and support through the official HarmonyOS developer website.

Understanding Operating System Ecosystems

The success of an operating system isn’t solely determined by its technical capabilities; it heavily relies on the strength of its ecosystem. A thriving ecosystem attracts developers, leading to a wider range of applications and services, ultimately enhancing the user experience. Companies like Apple and Google have excelled in this area, and Huawei is now actively working to cultivate a similar environment around HarmonyOS. The investment in AI is a key component of this strategy, as AI-powered applications are expected to drive significant innovation and user engagement in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions about HarmonyOS

• What is HarmonyOS? HarmonyOS is a distributed operating system developed by Huawei, designed for a wide range of devices.
• Is HarmonyOS a competitor to Android? Yes, harmonyos is intended to be a direct competitor to Android and iOS.
• What are the benefits of HarmonyOS? HarmonyOS boasts features like seamless cross-device connectivity and enhanced AI capabilities.
• How does OpenHarmony relate to HarmonyOS? OpenHarmony is the open-source foundation upon which HarmonyOS is built.
• What is Huawei doing to expand the HarmonyOS ecosystem? Huawei is investing heavily in developer support and AI integration.
• Is HarmonyOS available globally? While gaining traction in China, global availability is still expanding.
• What is the future of HarmonyOS AI? Huawei plans to focus on AI agents and micro-services within the HarmonyOS ecosystem.

What do you think about Huawei’s progress in developing its own operating system? Do you believe HarmonyOS can truly challenge the dominance of Android and iOS?

What factors are contributing too the increasing popularity of HarmonyOS 5?

Rapid Adoption of Huawei’s Operating System

HarmonyOS 5 has officially surpassed 17 million deployed devices, marking a significant milestone in the operating system’s growth adn adoption. This achievement underscores the increasing popularity of Huawei’s ecosystem and its expanding reach beyond china. The deployment figure, confirmed on September 25, 2025, represents a considerable increase from previous reports and signals a strong trajectory for the OS. This growth is fueled by a combination of factors, including Huawei’s continued innovation, a robust developer community, and strategic partnerships.

Breakdown of Device Deployment

The 17 million devices running HarmonyOS 5 encompass a diverse range of product categories. Here’s a detailed look:

* Smartphones: Approximately 8.5 million smartphones are currently operating on HarmonyOS 5, primarily within the Huawei Mate and P series.

* Tablets: Over 3 million Huawei tablets have been upgraded or shipped with HarmonyOS 5 pre-installed.

* Smartwatches & Wearables: HarmonyOS 5 powers more than 2 million Huawei smartwatches and fitness trackers.

* Smart Home Devices: A growing number of smart home appliances,including TVs,refrigerators,and washing machines,are integrating harmonyos 5,totaling around 1.5 million devices.

* In-Vehicle Systems: HarmonyOS 5 is gaining traction in the automotive sector, with over 2 million vehicles now featuring the OS for infotainment and connectivity. This represents a key area of expansion for Huawei.

Key Features Driving HarmonyOS 5 Adoption

Several key features are contributing to the rapid adoption of HarmonyOS 5. These include:

* Super Device capabilities: The seamless connectivity and collaboration between multiple devices (Super Device) remain a core attraction for users. this allows for effortless file sharing, screen mirroring, and cross-device control.

* Enhanced Security: HarmonyOS 5 boasts improved security features, including enhanced data encryption and privacy controls, addressing growing user concerns about data protection.

* Optimized Performance: Significant performance optimizations in HarmonyOS 5 result in faster app loading times, smoother animations, and improved battery life.

* Distributed Technology: The distributed architecture allows applications to run seamlessly across different devices, providing a consistent user experiance.

* Improved Developer Tools: Huawei has continued to invest in developer tools and resources, making it easier for developers to create and optimize applications for HarmonyOS.

harmonyos vs. Android: A Comparative Overview

While initially positioned as an alternative to Android, HarmonyOS 5 has evolved into a distinct operating system with its own unique strengths. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	HarmonyOS 5	Android
Kernel	Microkernel	Linux Kernel
Architecture	Distributed, Multi-Device	Primarily Smartphone-Focused
Security	Enhanced, Microkernel-Based	Variable, Dependent on Manufacturer
Connectivity	Super Device, Seamless Cross-device	Limited Native Cross-Device Support
Ecosystem	Growing Huawei Ecosystem	Vast Google & Third-Party Ecosystem

The microkernel architecture of HarmonyOS is frequently enough cited as a key advantage, offering improved security and versatility compared to Android’s monolithic kernel.

Impact on the Global Smartphone Market

The growth of HarmonyOS is having a noticeable impact on the global smartphone market. Huawei, despite facing international challenges, continues to be a significant player, particularly in China. The increasing adoption of harmonyos is strengthening Huawei’s position and providing a viable alternative to established operating systems.Analysts predict that HarmonyOS could capture a substantial share of the global OS market in the coming years, especially as Huawei expands its international presence.

Developer Ecosystem Growth & Opportunities

The HarmonyOS developer ecosystem is experiencing rapid growth. Huawei offers a range of resources and incentives to attract developers, including:

* HarmonyOS AppGallery: A dedicated app store for HarmonyOS applications.

* DevEco Studio: A extensive integrated development environment (IDE).

* Ark Compiler: A compiler designed to optimize application performance on HarmonyOS.

* Financial Incentives: Huawei provides financial support and marketing assistance to developers.

This investment is attracting a growing number of developers, leading to a wider range of applications available for HarmonyOS devices.

Future Outlook & Potential Challenges

Looking ahead, HarmonyOS has the potential to become a major force in the operating system landscape. Though, several challenges remain:

* International Expansion: Expanding beyond China and gaining wider international acceptance will be crucial for long-term success.

* App Ecosystem Development: Continuing to grow the app ecosystem and attract popular third-party applications is essential.

* Competition: Facing intense competition from established operating systems like Android and iOS.

* Geopolitical Factors: navigating ongoing geopolitical challenges and trade restrictions.

Despite these challenges, the momentum behind HarmonyOS 5 is undeniable. The 17 million