China's BigTech companies, including JD.com, NetEase and Meituan, are aggressively courting HarmonyOS app developers in a strategic move that signals a possible move away from Google's Android operating system.
The move fits into Huawei's overall strategy of building HarmonyOS as a credible alternative to Android in China, with the goal of reducing its reliance on US sanctions.
Meituan, a leading service platform, is looking for HarmonyOS infrastructure engineers and offering competitive salaries to attract experienced HarmonyOS professionals.
In contrast, JD.com and NetEase are looking for developers who specialize in developing apps compatible with Huawei smartphones and based on the HarmonyOS platform.
This recruitment trend comes after Huawei successfully brought its HarmonyOS operating system to more than 700 million of its devices.
Richard Yu Chengdong, CEO of Huawei Consumer Business Group, said that the upcoming version of HarmonyOS Next will not be compatible with apps written for the Android operating system, further reinforcing Huawei's commitment to the independent development of the HarmonyOS ecosystem.
Huawei plans to release a developer beta of HarmonyOS Next in the first quarter of 2024. The main goal of HarmonyOS Next is to consolidate Huawei's position as the fastest-growing smartphone vendor in China.
According to a Counterpoint Research report in October 2023, the successful launch of the Mate 60 Pro phone with 5G technology marked Huawei's comeback and contributed to the company's strong sales growth (up 37% year-on-year in Q3 2023).
HarmonyOS was introduced in August 2019 in response to Huawei being placed on the US's restricted entity list, as well as restrictions on access to key Google apps and services.
In 2021, Huawei introduced HarmonyOS as an Android-based platform, aiming to replace Android, while maintaining compatibility with downloadable apps.
The complete switch to HarmonyOS Next is a breakthrough step in Huawei's move away from Android.
The final decision to abandon Android altogether remains speculative, with more information expected after HarmonyOS Next is officially released in 2024.
If Huawei succeeds in developing its alternative ecosystem, China's tech landscape could look significantly different from what it is today.
(according to Overclockers)
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