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?
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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-
Pandaily
WeChat for HarmonyOS Adds A2A Link With Huawei's Celia for Voice Messages and Calls
Version 8.0.22 lets users ask Celia to text a WeChat friend or start a voice or video call. Group chats, stickers and WeChat's cloned accounts are not supported yet.
Operating system -
YouTube
Part 1 - Where do I buy my Chinese Huawei HarmonyOS imported products and costs? Superbuy
Ecosystem and market -
Huawei Central
Huawei Watch GT 7 series is first to receive HarmonyOS 7 globally
HarmonyOS 7 is now making its way to the global market, and the Huawei Watch GT 7 series is the first device to receive it. The company has started releasing the major software upgrade for its top-end wearables, packed with various new features and…
New devices -
LatestLY
Huawei Mate 90 vs Mate 90 Pro Max: Power Meets Premium
Huawei launched the Mate 90 series in China on 1st October 2026, starting with a clear power upgrade over the previous generation. The Huawei Mate 90 moves from the Mate 80’s Kirin 9020 to the newer Kirin 9030, adds a larger 6,600mAh battery, and runs on…
New devices -
The Mac Observer
Apple Watch Now Pairs with Select Huawei Phones Using HarmonyOS App
Ecosystem and market -
Fakti.bg
Huawei launches new phone brand ᐉ News from Fakti.bg - Technozone
The sub-brand will likely target the mid-range and could include devices with Kirin 8 and HarmonyOS
Ecosystem and market