What is HarmonyOS Next?

Introduction

The platforms that support mobile continue to change along with the mobile ecosystem. Huawei’s next-generation operating system, HarmonyOS NEXT, was formally introduced in 2023. It was developed from the ground up and is not dependent on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). Although HarmonyOS NEXT expands upon the original HarmonyOS idea, it represents a significant strategic and technological change.
This article will cover what HarmonyOS Next is and how it is different from Android.

🌐 What is HarmonyOS NEXT?

Smartphones, wearables, tablets, smart TVs, and Internet of Things devices can all enjoy a smooth experience with Huawei’s entirely independent operating system, HarmonyOS NEXT.
HarmonyOS NEXT is not based on Android like earlier HarmonyOS versions, which still maintained some compatibility with Android apps. It brings with it a new programming language, a new app runtime, and an ecosystem that is completely exclusive to Huawei services and hardware.
🔍 Let’s see the key differences between HarmonyOS Next and Android on the table;

HarmonyOS Next — Android

Why Was HarmonyOS NEXT Created?

In response to geopolitical limitations and technological aspirations, Huawei has developed HarmonyOS NEXT. The corporation wants to create an ecosystem that is completely under its control, highly connected, and secure.
Technically, HarmonyOS NEXT makes it possible for:

• Avoiding Android’s compatibility layers improved performance.
• Improved privacy and security with Huawei’s in-house services and APIs
• Features that are distributed, such as cross-device app flows (phone ↔ watch ↔ tablet) Through the eyes of developers; For developers, especially those with an Android background, HarmonyOS NEXT offers a fresh yet familiar experience. Its modular architecture, declarative UI style, and use of ViewModel and state management will feel intuitive. At the same time, it introduces new concepts like ArkTS (a TypeScript-based language), ArkUI (a built-in stateful UI framework), and updated models for navigation, permissions, and distributed interactions.

What About Android?

Android is a widely used platform globally, known for its flexibility, power, and large developer community. HarmonyOS NEXT represents a different approach that focuses on Huawei’s ecosystem and aims to provide a more controlled, integrated, and seamless digital experience. As a developer, embracing both platforms can expand your career opportunities, help you adapt to regional market needs, and ensure you’re prepared for a future with increasingly diverse mobile ecosystems.

App Distribution and Ecosystem

• HarmonyOS NEXT apps are distributed through Huawei AppGallery, which has grown significantly in markets where Huawei devices dominate.
• Huawei provides extensive development support via:
• DevEco Studio (IDE similar to Android Studio)
• Distributed Dev Kits
• Comprehensive Documentation in English and Chinese

Conclusion

HarmonyOS NEXT is Huawei’s bold move to create a standalone, next-generation operating system with its vision for connected experiences. It presents both an opportunity and a challenge for Android developers, allowing them to use their existing skills while learning new concepts.
References

HarmonyOS NEXT - Wikipedia
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en.wikipedia.org

华为开发者联盟-HarmonyOS开发者官网，共建鸿蒙生态
华为开发者联盟是华为面向生态伙伴的开放合作平台，致力于从开发、测试、推广、变现等环节助力开发者，聚合了HarmonyOS鸿蒙、HMS Core、AGC等开放能力，方便开发者一站式获取，轻松完成应用开发。
developer.huawei.com

Keywords: Android、Huawei、Harmonyos、Mobile App Development、App Gallery