Huawei launches first smartphone with its own operating system

Google and Apple declare war: tech group Huawei shows off a new top smartphone – with its own operating system.

Steve Hack/t-online

Chinese technology group Huawei has launched its first smartphone with its own operating system. Huawei manager Yu Chengdong said at a new device demonstration event at the company's headquarters in Shenzhen that the “long-awaited Mate 70, the most powerful ever” is now powered by the HarmonyOS Next operating system. The sanctioned companies want to take on two heavyweights, Google and Apple.

The Mate 70 starts at the equivalent of $758 (approximately 669 francs). If it comes out, it will definitely be more expensive. According to Huawei, there are already more than 3 million pre-orders, although it is uncertain whether all will eventually be sold.

Huawei Mate 70 Pro.Image: Huawei

The device is intended to be the launch signal for a new range of smartphones. In addition to the Mate 70, there are also the Mate 70 Pro, Mate 70 Pro+ and Mate 70 RS Ultimate Pro. The phones differ in aspects such as screen size, battery life and camera equipment, which is also reflected in the price. It's unclear whether the smartphone will be officially sold here.

Global sanctions set Huawei back significantly

Huawei was once one of the world's leading smartphone manufacturers and the market leader in China. The company was subsequently slapped with sanctions by the Trump administration, cutting off global supply chains for its technology products and U.S.-produced equipment parts.

Washington has largely warned of possible espionage, a warning the company has rejected. As a result, Huawei is no longer able to equip new smartphones with Google apps and important Google services as usual.

The latest information shows that the company's smartphone shipments reached 10.8 million units in the third quarter, covering 16% of the Chinese market. Huawei now wants to return to the top with its own operating system.

Own operating system instead of Android

Most smartphones around the world run either Android or Apple iOS. Huawei hopes to change that and become independent from its major U.S. rivals, especially in light of future U.S. President Donald Trump and his protectionist trade policies against China.

The work isn't without risks, however: According to the company, HarmonyOS Next requires a complete reconnection with all the apps on the smartphone it runs on. Many updates will be made in the future to make the system more complete. Whether China's system can be adopted internationally is questionable.

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