It’s rumored that Huawei will introduce HarmonyOS in September 2024, discontinuing support for Android apps.

A beta iteration of the upcoming HarmonyOS is anticipated to launch during Huawei’s developer conference in June.

According to a recent leak, Huawei is expected to initiate the release of its proprietary operating system, HarmonyOS Next, in September 2024. The new OS is reportedly based on the Hongmeng kernel and system applications, eliminating reliance on Google’s Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code. Consequently, this transition will render all Android apps incompatible with Huawei devices. However, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer is making preparations for this change. Earlier this year, it confirmed that up to 4,000 apps compatible with the new OS were ready for deployment.

As per a Weibo post by tipster Digital Chat Station, Huawei has finalized a launch date for its in-house OS. The post reads (translated by Google), “HarmonyOS NEXT is internally scheduled for September. In the second half of the year, candy bar flagships, foldable flagships, mid-range phones, tablets, watches, etc., are all arranged. Wait for the actual test.”

According to the leak, Huawei seems to be opting for a simultaneous transition of all its devices rather than a phased approach, as it prepares to introduce the Android-free HarmonyOS Next. Intriguingly, the anticipated launch of the Huawei Mate 70 series in September aligns with this timeline, suggesting that these devices might come equipped with the new operating system right from the start.

Last year, Huawei unveiled HarmonyOS Next through a YouTube video. While visually similar to Android, there are notable differences in app layouts, widgets, and the notification bar and control center, all of which adhere to HarmonyOS’s design conventions seen in previous versions.

A major challenge for Huawei smartphone users could be the absence of support for Android apps. This would encompass not only apps sourced from the official Play Store but also those obtained from third-party platforms in APK format. Instead, HarmonyOS Next is expected to favor its proprietary HAP format for apps.

According to a Gizmochina report, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer plans to have 5,000 apps available in its marketplace by the time the initial batch of users receives the new OS update. Additionally, the company has a long-term goal of reaching 500,000 apps.