Huawei Doubles Down on HarmonyOS: AI Toolkit Launch Targets Global App Deficit

Huawei's playing offense with its latest power move—pumping AI steroids into HarmonyOS while Western apps still give it the cold shoulder.

The Silicon Curtain thickens

As Google and Apple lock Chinese developers out of their ecosystems, Huawei's response isn't begging for re-entry—it's building parallel infrastructure. The new AI toolkit lets devs bypass US tech stacks entirely, creating apps that thrive in Huawei's walled garden.

App gap? More like app canyon

While Western analysts obsess over TikTok bans, Huawei's quietly monetizing the other 80% of smartphone users who've never touched Google Play Services. Their secret sauce? AI-driven localization that makes apps culturally sticky before they're even coded.

Wall Street won't admit it, but every HarmonyOS update makes that 'temporary' US ban look more permanent—and more profitable for Shenzhen. Maybe next quarter they'll notice the $2B R&D budget wasn't for show.

TLDRs;

• Huawei launched the HarmonyOS 6 beta with built-in AI agent tools for developers.
• The platform’s global reach remains limited despite growing domestic success in China.
• Huawei’s broader strategy includes diversifying into AI, cloud, and automotive tech.
• US sanctions continue to shape Huawei’s trajectory toward self-reliance and innovation.

Huawei has unveiled the beta version of HarmonyOS 6, introducing a suite of artificial intelligence tools aimed at empowering developers to build next-generation smart applications.

The update, launched during the company’s annual developer conference, marks a critical step in Huawei’s ongoing effort to grow HarmonyOS into a self-reliant ecosystem. Yet, the platform continues to face hurdles in closing the app availability gap with global leaders like Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android.

AI Features Power the New HarmonyOS 6

One of the most striking additions in HarmonyOS 6 is its AI Agent Framework, which allows developers to create intelligent agents without the need to train large foundational models. This represents a strategic MOVE to democratize access to advanced AI tools within Huawei’s ecosystem.

Alongside the OS update, Huawei also introduced CloudMatrix 384, a high-performance AI rack architecture designed to support demanding applications and services.

Chinese tech giant #Huawei unveiled two #laptops powered by HarmonyOS, marking the debut of its self-developed operating system on personal computers (PCs). #chinatechpic.twitter.com/w6vQvptWNV pic.twitter.com/wctUReUquv

— Chinese Embassy in US (@ChineseEmbinUS) May 19, 2025

These additions reflect Huawei’s intensified focus on AI as it pivots from a telecom-first strategy to becoming a broad-based technology provider. Richard Yu, chairman of Huawei’s consumer business group, emphasized that the upgrade was built with developers in mind, hoping to drive greater innovation within the HarmonyOS environment.

Developer Growth but App Gaps Remain

HarmonyOS now powers over 900 million devices globally, with more than 8 million developers contributing to the platform. Huawei says the ecosystem includes over 30,000 apps or mini-programs, largely tailored for the Chinese market. While these numbers show significant domestic traction, Yu candidly acknowledged that HarmonyOS still trails far behind Android and iOS in terms of global app diversity and reach.

The company’s reliance on local developers and limited international penetration continues to be a bottleneck for broader adoption. This persistent gap underscores the long-term challenge of building an ecosystem that can rival the entrenched duopoly of iOS and Android, particularly in markets beyond China where Google services remain dominant.

Sanctions Fuel a Shift Toward Independence

Since being placed on a US trade blacklist in 2019, Huawei has aggressively moved to reduce its dependence on Western technologies. The company claims to have replaced more than 13,000 foreign-made components with local alternatives. That push for self-reliance has paid off financially, with Huawei reporting a 10 percent revenue jump in 2023 and doubling its net profits to 87 billion yuan.

HarmonyOS was initially created as a fallback when access to Android became restricted. It has since grown into a central pillar of Huawei’s operating strategy, with its microkernel design enabling compatibility across smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and IoT devices. This interoperability is especially critical in the Chinese market, where demand for seamless, multi-device integration continues to rise.

AI and Cloud Anchor Huawei’s Growth Playbook

Huawei’s ambitions extend far beyond operating systems. At the Mobile World Congress in Shanghai, earlier this week the company highlighted its shift toward AI and 5G infrastructure as the telecom industry experiences saturation. Deputy chairman Eric Xu noted that growth now depends on addressing niche markets like live-streamers, small businesses, and intelligent vehicles.

This pivot is already bearing fruit. Huawei’s cloud services saw over 20 percent growth last year, while its automotive unit posted a 128 percent sales increase. Backed by its venture arm Hubble, the company has also invested in over 100 startups, helping build a technological moat that spans semiconductors, AI chips, and enterprise services.