Huawei's Harmony may challenge Android-Apple duopoly

Significance

The firm reportedly expects 300 million smartphones, tablets and other connected devices to run on this. If the OS succeeds, it could become a major competitor for Western technology, especially Apple's iOS and the Android operating system, in China and in the developing world. It has limited prospects of success in developed markets.

Impacts

• HarmonyOS may provide a platform for the internationalisation of other Chinese products and services.
• Chinese hardware manufacturers face a tough choice between using existing global technologies or sanctions-proof indigenous counterparts.
• Beijing could diplomatically support the internationalisation of HarmonyOS.