Huawei is launching an ambitious initiative, calling on Chinese app developers to create 100,000 apps for its HarmonyOS within the next 6 to 12 months. This effort comes in the wake of US-imposed technological sanctions that have significantly impacted Huawei’s operations, forcing the Chinese tech giant to look inward and develop its own self-reliant ecosystem. Presently, HarmonyOS supports more than 15,000 apps that cater to basic consumer needs, but Huawei is emphasizing the need for a more extensive array of personalized and specialized apps to meet the evolving expectations of its users. Chairman Xu Zhijun has highlighted that the rapid development of the operating system was spurred by these sanctions, which led to the creation of an open-source version to widen its reach. Xu has urged users to be patient, stressing that increased usage will drive faster improvements in the system.
Ambitious Goals for Self-Reliance
Huawei launched HarmonyOS in 2019, following stringent trade restrictions imposed by Washington, which accused the company of security-related issues—a claim that Huawei has consistently denied. Now, Huawei has set an ambitious target for HarmonyOS to become the third-largest operating system globally, following Android and iOS. Achieving this goal will require a robust user base and a rich selection of app offerings. Xu has issued a call to developers to contribute to the expanding ecosystem and urged government agencies, state enterprises, and social organizations to adopt HarmonyOS for professional use. This initiative reflects a broader trend of China advancing its homegrown technologies amid heightened trade and tech tensions with the United States. Despite facing significant challenges and skepticism, Huawei is determined to expand its HarmonyOS ecosystem with dedicated strategies and substantial investments.
To truly understand the stakes, it’s essential to take a closer look at how Huawei’s efforts can reshape the tech landscape in China and globally. The development of a vast library of 100,000 apps is no small feat and would mark a significant milestone in Huawei’s journey towards technological self-reliance. This endeavor signals Huawei’s resolve to not only withstand but also to thrive under external pressures by fostering innovation and growth from within. The success of HarmonyOS could also pave the way for other Chinese tech firms to pursue similar paths, potentially reshaping the global technology market dynamics. However, the journey is fraught with obstacles and will require unwavering commitment and collaboration from various stakeholders.
Building a Diverse App Ecosystem
Creating 100,000 apps in a year is key to Huawei’s strategy to strengthen HarmonyOS’s market position. To achieve this, they’re attracting developers to build unique, specialized apps for various market segments. Expanding the app ecosystem with these specialized apps is essential for making HarmonyOS a versatile and appealing platform for both consumers and businesses. This effort isn’t just about quantity but also the quality and diversity of apps, which are crucial for user engagement and satisfaction.
Additionally, Huawei is encouraging government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and social organizations to use HarmonyOS for their professional needs, aiming for broad sectoral adoption. This multipronged strategy is designed to help HarmonyOS gain traction beyond consumer electronics, creating a robust, self-sustaining ecosystem resilient to external pressures. It also aligns with China’s goal of reducing reliance on foreign technology and boosting its technological sovereignty.
In summary, Huawei’s target of 100,000 apps underscores its mission to bolster China’s technological self-reliance amid US sanctions. Enriching its ecosystem with diverse, specialized apps and ensuring wide adoption, Huawei aims to position HarmonyOS as a strong competitor to Android and iOS. Strategic investments, developer engagement, and diversified adoption could push HarmonyOS into the global spotlight, reshaping the operating system market landscape.
