Android, the dominant operating system (OS) globally, continues to face challenges in China. According to a recent report from Tech Insights, the market share of Android in China has dipped slightly, from 72% to 70% during the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This shift marks a notable trend as Android’s growth slows in a region historically dominated by its platform.

In contrast, HarmonyOS, Huawei’s homegrown OS, is seeing a rise in popularity. Launched in 2019 as a response to the political tensions and trade restrictions imposed by the U.S., HarmonyOS has now grown to hold a 15% market share in China, up from 13% a year ago. This growth is seen as a result of several key factors, including Huawei’s increasing independence in developing its own ecosystem and the growing sentiment among Chinese consumers to prioritize domestic technology.

Political factors have also played a significant role in this shift. In recent months, several Chinese companies have banned or restricted the use of iPhones, further encouraging the adoption of local alternatives like Huawei’s devices running HarmonyOS. The Chinese government’s reluctance to rely on foreign technology, particularly U.S. products, has increasingly driven the market in favor of local solutions, a trend seen across various sectors, not just smartphones.

One of the key drivers of HarmonyOS’ rising popularity is the release of HarmonyOS Next, the latest iteration of Huawei’s OS. Unlike its earlier versions, which were built on Android’s foundation, HarmonyOS Next operates independently from Android and the Linux kernel, featuring a newly designed architecture. The updates have made HarmonyOS smoother, more secure, and packed with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The OS also offers an intuitive, streamlined user interface (UI) that positions it as a user-friendly alternative to both Android and Apple’s iOS.

Furthermore, Huawei has been aggressively working to expand its HarmonyOS ecosystem. The company is continually releasing new native apps, including an instant messaging app designed specifically for the platform. This focus on enhancing the HarmonyOS experience, along with the improved software, is likely to continue to attract Chinese consumers who are seeking a competitive, local alternative to Android and iOS.

Despite HarmonyOS’s gains, iOS from Apple has seen some declines in China as well. According to Counterpoint Research, Apple’s iOS market share in China has dropped from 20% in early 2024 to just 16%. This decline is indicative of the growing preference for local operating systems, particularly as Huawei strengthens its position. However, globally, iOS remains relatively stable with a market share of about 15%.

While Android still dominates worldwide, with a global market share of 77% in the first quarter of 2024, its slight decline in China is noteworthy. Android’s market share decreased from 78% to 77%, while iOS also saw a minor drop from 20% to 19% in the same period. These changes underscore the rising significance of HarmonyOS, not just in China but globally, as it continues to expand its market presence.

With HarmonyOS’s momentum showing no signs of slowing down, it’s possible that it could pose a serious challenge to Android and iOS in the future, particularly in China, where local preferences and political dynamics favor Huawei’s platform. As the ecosystem matures, HarmonyOS could increasingly disrupt the smartphone market in ways that Android and iOS have historically dominated.

KOMPAS.COM