Shenzhen, China’s tech centre, is pushing for the broad adoption of Huawei’s HarmonyOS-based applications in various sectors by 2024. HarmonyOS is a versatile operating system that powers a wide range of devices, aiming to simplify user experiences.
This move reflects a growing trend towards HarmonyOS within China’s tech ecosystem. Shenzhen’s engagement with HarmonyOS applications could provide revolutionary advancements in sectors like business, education, and healthcare. With the city aiming to integrate this operating system in a majority of its sectors by 2024, digital transformation is set to accelerate.
Enhanced use of HarmonyOS applications is a priority for the Shenzhen government. By the end of the year, Shenzhen-based firms are expected to produce 10% of all HarmonyOS applications in mainland China. It’s hoped this will encourage more businesses and developers to incorporate HarmonyOS within their tech stacks, fostering innovation and increasing competition within the tech sector.
Using HarmonyOS has potential to disrupt areas such as governance, education, healthcare, banking, finance, and transportation. Its extensive capabilities were showcased at the Smart China Expo in Chongqing in September 2023, and it’s expected to make a significant impact on conventional operations in various sectors.
The Shenzhen government also plans to collaborate with universities and training institutions to offer HarmonyOS developer courses. In addition, two industrial parks will be established to aid the development of products operating on HarmonyOS. Attracting enterprises, startups, and individual developers will create a comprehensive HarmonyOS ecosystem, enhancing tech innovation and attracting global interest.
Following the launch of the Mate 60 Pro 5G which uses the HarmonyOS, the operating system has gained prominence. By 2024, it’s forecasted to surpass Apple’s iOS, becoming China’s second-largest mobile operating system. HarmonyOS’s adaptability makes it desirable for use in a broad range of devices, leading to its continued growth in market share.
Companies like Alibaba Group Holding have adopted HarmonyOS for their app development. This aligns with China’s broader ambition to reduce reliance on America’s Android and iOS operating systems. The HarmonyOS powered version of Alibaba’s business collaboration application, DingTalk, is expected to offer an improved user experience. Other tech giants are also adopting the new operating system, which marks a significant shift in the Chinese tech landscape.
