HarmonyOS, explained without the hype
Huawei's operating system is no longer "Android with a new skin": it has its own kernel, its own programming language and runs on phones, watches, tablets, laptops and cars. Here is what it is, how it got here and what it means if you live in Europe.
One operating system, many kinds of device
An ecosystem that is no longer small
HarmonyOS 6 arrived in November 2025 and in less than a year it is on more than 90 million devices. Counting earlier versions, Huawei talks about more than 1.3 billion devices.
- 1.3 bn+devices across the whole HarmonyOS ecosystem (June 2026)
- 90 m+devices on HarmonyOS 6 or later (October 2026)
- 100,000+native HarmonyOS apps (August 2026)
Sources: Huawei Central, Huawei Central, TechNode.
Where do you want to start?
-
What is HarmonyOS
Its own kernel, ArkTS, "atomic" services and one system for every device, step by step.
To start -
History
From the 2019 Honor TV to HarmonyOS 7: every version and what changed.
For context -
Versus Android and iOS
Where it wins, where it loses and what you need to know outside China.
To decide -
Devices
Phones, foldables, tablets, laptops, watches and cars running HarmonyOS.
To choose -
Developers
ArkTS, ArkUI, Cangjie and DevEco Studio: where to start building.
To build -
News
New devices, updates and developer news, every day.
To keep up
Would a HarmonyOS device suit you?
Six questions about where you live, which apps you use and which devices you own. Your answers never leave your browser.
Latest news
See all news-
Huawei Central
Huawei to delay AI Quick Bar feature rollout to early November
Huawei has delayed the AI Quick Bar feature rollout till early November. The company has recently confirmed the new capability release time for its devices. Those who have been waiting for this feature need to exercise a little more patience. AI Quick Bar…
Operating system -
Notebookcheck
Huawei Pura 90 Plus said to launch soon with 1-inch sensor and variable aperture
Huawei is reportedly set to unveil a brand-new smartphone soon, the Pura 90 Plus, which is likely to be particularly exciting for photography enthusiasts. According to the latest information from a reliable leaker, the Pura 90 Plus features a 50 MP main…
New devices -
GSMArena
Leak suggests Huawei Pura 90 Plus will get a 1-inch type main camera with variable aperture
Huawei brought the Pura 90 series to China in April this year. Now, a tipster claims that the company is preparing to add a new Pura 90 Plus variant to the lineup. According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the Pura 90 Plus will feature a triple-rear camera…
New devices -
Huawei Central
Global Huawei Watch GT 7 gets new features for cycling lovers
Huawei Watch GT 7 series HarmonyOS 7.0 upgrade is quite special for cycling lovers, as it brings many significant features. The update claims to provide a more interactive experience in all aspects, from an impressive UI to convenient app functions. Watch GT…
New devices -
nokiapoweruser.com
MagicOS 11 Could Be Android's Answer to iOS 27's Premium Design
MagicOS 11 brings a stunning Liquid Glass-inspired UI with premium visuals and smooth animations. - Read in Android News on NPowerUser
Ecosystem and market -
BigGo Finance
China Unveils First Batch of Major Application Scenarios; Shenzhen's OpenHarmony All-Scenario Project Makes the List
China's National Development and Reform Commission announced its first batch of 136 landmark major application scenario projects, with Guangdong…
Developers