HarmonyOS Explained: History, Technology, Market Share, Revenue and Pros and Cons

Quick Answer

HarmonyOS is an operating system developed by Huawei to connect smartphones, tablets, computers, wearables, smart-home products, vehicle systems and other connected devices. Its main focus is a coordinated ecosystem in which compatible devices can share services, content and computing capabilities rather than operate as completely separate products.

HarmonyOS has evolved from an operating system with substantial Android Open Source Project (AOSP) compatibility in earlier smartphone releases into a platform with a distinct native application ecosystem. HarmonyOS NEXT, introduced commercially through the HarmonyOS 5 generation, represents the major transition away from Android application compatibility. Its advantages include multi-device integration, control over the software ecosystem and a growing developer platform. Its disadvantages include application availability, regional limitations, migration costs and dependence on Huawei-compatible hardware and services. Market-share figures, installation counts and revenue must be interpreted separately because they measure different aspects of the ecosystem.

What Is HarmonyOS?

HarmonyOS, also known as Hongmeng OS in Chinese, is Huawei's operating system platform for connected devices. It is designed to support different types of hardware through a shared software ecosystem and distributed capabilities.

Unlike a traditional operating system designed primarily for one device, HarmonyOS emphasizes cooperation between devices. Depending on the hardware, operating-system version, applications and regional availability, this can include transferring files, sharing input devices, continuing tasks on another device or combining device capabilities.

HarmonyOS is not the same thing as OpenHarmony. Huawei develops HarmonyOS as a commercial operating system and product ecosystem, while OpenHarmony is an open-source operating-system project operated under the OpenAtom Foundation. Huawei uses OpenHarmony as a foundation for its HarmonyOS development, but the two projects are not interchangeable.

The History and Evolution of HarmonyOS

HarmonyOS became strategically important to Huawei as the company sought greater control over its software platform, device ecosystem and application development. Its evolution includes both the expansion of connected-device capabilities and the move toward a native application ecosystem independent of Android.

Period	Milestone	Significance
2019	HarmonyOS announced and HarmonyOS 1 introduced	Huawei presented its distributed operating-system strategy, initially emphasizing smart-screen products.
2020	HarmonyOS 2 development announced for broader devices	The ecosystem began expanding toward additional device categories and developer participation.
2021	HarmonyOS 2 rollout to smartphones	HarmonyOS became a more visible smartphone platform, with substantial continuity with Android-based application technology.
2022–2023	HarmonyOS 3 and 4 generations	Huawei continued improving cross-device collaboration, interface features and ecosystem services.
2023	HarmonyOS NEXT development announced	Huawei accelerated work on a native application ecosystem that would not depend on Android application compatibility.
2024	HarmonyOS NEXT previews and commercial HarmonyOS 5 generation	The transition toward native HarmonyOS applications became a practical product direction, initially focused on China.
2025	Expansion of HarmonyOS 5 and 6 ecosystem	Huawei reported growth in the number of devices using its newer operating-system generations.
2026	HarmonyOS 7 introduced	Huawei announced HarmonyOS 7 in September 2026, continuing its focus on AI, security and cross-device features.

The milestones above describe the broad evolution of the platform rather than a universal upgrade schedule. Features, release dates and supported devices differ by market and hardware model.

HarmonyOS 1–4 Versus HarmonyOS NEXT and Later

One of the most important distinctions when researching HarmonyOS is the difference between earlier Android-compatible releases and the newer native HarmonyOS platform.

Characteristic	Earlier HarmonyOS generations	HarmonyOS NEXT and later native generations
Application compatibility	Many smartphone releases retained compatibility with Android applications through their Android-related software foundation.	Native HarmonyOS applications are the intended application model; ordinary Android APK applications are not supported as a standard native installation method.
Software foundation	Used different combinations of AOSP-derived components and Huawei or OpenHarmony technologies, depending on the release and device.	Moves toward Huawei's native HarmonyOS software stack and proprietary Hongmeng Kernel implementation in supported releases.
Developer approach	Developers could use Android-oriented technologies for compatible products, alongside Huawei-specific frameworks.	Developers increasingly target HarmonyOS APIs, ArkTS, ArkUI and Huawei's native application toolchain.
Migration requirements	Existing Android applications could often be used on compatible models.	Applications may need to be rewritten, ported or rebuilt, and developers must test the availability of required APIs and services.

These distinctions should not be simplified into a claim that every older HarmonyOS release uses exactly the same Android or Linux components. HarmonyOS has multiple device profiles and software generations. Similarly, the move to a proprietary kernel in the native platform does not mean that every OpenHarmony-based device uses the same kernel.

For consumers, the practical question is whether the particular device runs an Android-compatible HarmonyOS version or a native version that requires HarmonyOS applications. Check the exact model and regional firmware before upgrading or purchasing a device.

Technology Behind HarmonyOS

1. Distributed Operating-System Architecture

A distributed operating system provides mechanisms for separate devices to cooperate. HarmonyOS uses device discovery, communication, service coordination and software frameworks to support cross-device experiences.

For example, a compatible phone and tablet may cooperate to share content or continue a task. The devices remain physically separate, but supported software can make selected capabilities available across them. This does not mean every application runs on every device or that all devices share one operating-system kernel.

2. Kernel and System Services

A kernel is the low-level component that manages hardware resources, memory, processes, scheduling and access to system functions.

Huawei's newer native HarmonyOS platform uses its Hongmeng Kernel as part of its effort to establish a distinct software foundation. The company associates this transition with security, performance and system integration improvements. Actual results depend on device hardware, software implementation and workload; marketing claims should not be treated as independent performance measurements.

OpenHarmony, by contrast, documents a multi-kernel architecture. Its kernel layer can use different kernel implementations, including Linux or LiteOS, depending on the device profile. This flexibility helps the open-source project support both resource-constrained IoT products and more capable devices.

3. Device Discovery and Distributed Capabilities

Cross-device operation depends on more than the kernel. It also requires communication protocols, permission controls, identity and trust mechanisms, application frameworks and compatible hardware.

• Device discovery: Helps supported devices identify nearby or otherwise available devices.
• Distributed services: Allow selected functions or application capabilities to be accessed across devices.
• Task continuity: Can allow a supported activity to continue on another compatible device.
• Cross-device transfer: Enables supported files, text and other content to move between devices.

Availability can depend on account configuration, network connectivity, permissions, product generation and regional software. A feature described for the ecosystem may not be available on every device.

4. ArkTS Programming Language

ArkTS is a TypeScript-based language used in Huawei's HarmonyOS application-development ecosystem. It supports a development model designed for native applications and the platform's programming interfaces.

Developers familiar with TypeScript may find some concepts familiar, but they should not assume that an ordinary web application or Android application can run unchanged as a native HarmonyOS application. Platform-specific APIs, application packaging, lifecycle behaviour and interface requirements still need to be addressed.

5. ArkUI User-Interface Framework

ArkUI provides tools for building application interfaces, including layouts, components, animations, interaction handling and state management. Its declarative development model lets developers describe the interface and the state that controls it.

This approach helps teams build interfaces suited to different screen sizes and device categories. The actual user experience still depends on the application implementation, supported APIs and device capabilities.

6. DevEco Studio Development Environment

DevEco Studio is Huawei's integrated development environment for HarmonyOS applications. Developers use it for tasks such as writing code, designing interfaces, managing projects, debugging and building applications.

Developers should consult the Huawei Developer website for current development tools, SDK versions, supported devices and application-distribution requirements.

7. Application Packaging and Installation

HarmonyOS native applications use the platform's own application packaging and distribution mechanisms. The native ecosystem is commonly associated with HAP application packages and, for application distribution, APP-packaged outputs. Packaging terminology and supported workflows depend on the toolchain and release.

The important distinction is that native HarmonyOS packages are not interchangeable with Android APK files. Users should install applications from trusted, supported distribution channels and avoid assuming that an Android installation file can be opened on a native HarmonyOS device.

Major Features of HarmonyOS

Super Device and Cross-Device Collaboration

Super Device is Huawei's ecosystem concept for linking compatible products into a coordinated experience. Depending on the supported devices, users may be able to collaborate between a smartphone, tablet, computer, display or other products.

For example, a user may share content with a tablet or use supported collaboration functions while working across devices. Compatibility and setup requirements vary, so check the relevant device documentation before relying on a specific workflow.

SuperHub and Content Transfer

SuperHub and related sharing features are designed to simplify the collection and transfer of supported content between compatible Huawei devices. These functions can reduce the need to transfer each item manually through separate applications.

Cross-device sharing is not the same as automatic cloud backup. Users should verify where the content is stored, which devices can access it and whether an independent backup exists.

Service Widgets

Widgets can provide information or shortcuts without requiring users to open a full application. HarmonyOS supports interface and service experiences that depend on the operating-system version and application implementation.

Not every widget is interactive, available across devices or supported by every application. Developers must implement the relevant widget capabilities.

AI and Intelligent Assistance

Newer HarmonyOS releases integrate AI-assisted capabilities into system services and compatible applications. Huawei's HarmonyOS 7 announcements describe expanded intelligent assistance, proactive services and security-related AI functions.

Availability can depend on the device, language, region, application and cloud service. Users should also review permissions and privacy settings before enabling features that process personal content or information.

Security and Privacy Controls

HarmonyOS includes platform security mechanisms intended to control application access, protect data and manage trusted interactions between devices. Huawei also describes security improvements in its newer native releases.

No operating system eliminates all security risks. Users should install official updates, review application permissions, use device locks, avoid untrusted software and confirm that sensitive data is protected when shared across devices.

HarmonyOS Market Share and Adoption

Market-share figures must be interpreted carefully because operating-system share, device installations, smartphone sales and the number of available applications measure different things.

For example, smartphone sales share measures the operating systems on smartphones sold during a period. Installed-device counts measure the devices reported as running a platform, while active-user counts measure people or devices actively using it. These metrics are not interchangeable.

Counterpoint Research publishes global and regional smartphone operating-system sales-share analysis. Its reports have shown that HarmonyOS adoption is substantially stronger in China than in the global smartphone market.

For the latest quarterly figures, consult Counterpoint Research's global smartphone operating-system market-share analysis. The reporting period and measurement method should always accompany a quoted percentage.

Device Installations and Application Ecosystem

Huawei publishes ecosystem milestones, including reported device counts and the number of applications and services available for HarmonyOS. These are vendor-reported figures and may include several device categories.

Such figures should not be presented as independently audited active-user counts unless the methodology confirms that interpretation. They also should not be compared directly with smartphone sales-share percentages.

Check Huawei's official consumer website and its regional announcements for the latest published adoption figures. Confirm the date, operating-system generations included and whether the total represents devices, installations, users or applications.

HarmonyOS Revenue and Huawei's Business

Huawei does not necessarily report HarmonyOS as a separate revenue line in its company-wide financial statements. Therefore, it would be misleading to assign all Huawei revenue to HarmonyOS or to present a speculative operating-system revenue estimate as a confirmed result.

Huawei's annual reports describe the financial performance of the overall company, including its broader businesses. These figures include activities beyond HarmonyOS and do not represent HarmonyOS sales, licence income or operating-system profit.

HarmonyOS can contribute strategically to Huawei's business by supporting sales of compatible hardware, strengthening customer retention, enabling ecosystem services and attracting developers. However, without separately disclosed financial results, the financial contribution of HarmonyOS alone cannot be reliably quantified.

For confirmed financial information, refer to Huawei's official annual reports. Use the specific reporting year and distinguish total company revenue from revenue attributable directly to an operating system.

Advantages of HarmonyOS

• Cross-device integration: Compatible devices can share supported content, services and workflows.
• Control over the software platform: Huawei can develop its own operating-system components, application frameworks and distribution ecosystem.
• Native application development: ArkTS, ArkUI and DevEco Studio provide a dedicated environment for developers targeting supported HarmonyOS devices.
• Broad device ambitions: The platform is designed for smartphones, tablets, computers, wearables, smart-home products and other connected systems.
• Reduced dependence on Android: Native HarmonyOS releases provide Huawei with a route to develop its own application ecosystem rather than relying on Android compatibility.
• Integrated user experience: Supported ecosystem features can reduce friction when moving content and tasks between compatible products.
• Growing application availability: An expanding native application catalogue can improve the prospects for everyday use within supported markets.
• Open-source foundations for wider development: OpenHarmony makes operating-system source code available for developers and manufacturers working with that project, subject to its licensing terms.

Disadvantages and Limitations of HarmonyOS

• Android application compatibility: Native HarmonyOS devices do not provide standard support for ordinary Android APK applications. Users must verify that their essential applications have native versions.
• Regional availability: Some newer operating-system releases and features are limited to mainland China. Availability may change with later releases.
• Smaller international ecosystem: Global adoption is lower than Android's, and availability of local applications and services varies by country.
• Developer migration costs: Developers may need to port application code, redesign interfaces, replace platform-specific APIs and maintain another application version.
• Service dependencies: Applications may depend on specific mapping, payment, identity, cloud, notification or location services. Equivalent functionality is not automatically available on every platform.
• Hardware and vendor dependence: Native HarmonyOS experiences are closely associated with supported Huawei hardware and services. Users should consider long-term device support before making a large investment.
• Learning curve: Administrators and developers accustomed to Android or other operating systems may need to learn new tools, frameworks and diagnostic procedures.
• Uncertain standalone financial performance: Huawei's public company-wide revenue does not establish how much revenue or profit HarmonyOS itself generates.

HarmonyOS Compared with Android, iOS and Windows

Characteristic	HarmonyOS	Android	Apple iOS	Windows
Main focus	Huawei's connected-device ecosystem and native application platform	Mobile devices and a broad range of device manufacturers	Apple mobile devices and services	Personal computers and compatible computing devices
Hardware ecosystem	Strongest in compatible Huawei products	Broad multi-manufacturer ecosystem	Apple-controlled hardware ecosystem	Broad PC hardware ecosystem
Application model	Native HarmonyOS applications on newer native releases; compatibility varies by generation	Primarily Android applications	iOS and supported Apple application technologies	Primarily Windows applications and supported application frameworks
Developer tools	DevEco Studio, ArkTS and ArkUI	Android Studio and Android SDK	Xcode and Apple development frameworks	Visual Studio and other supported development tools
Cross-device integration	Huawei ecosystem features and supported distributed capabilities	Features vary by manufacturer, application and connected services	Apple ecosystem integration	PC-centric integration with compatible phones and other devices
International considerations	Native ecosystem and feature availability vary by market	Broad international application support	Broad international application support	Broad desktop software and enterprise support

This comparison describes general platform characteristics, not a benchmark of performance, security or reliability. A device's exact software version, hardware, application requirements and regional support determine its practical suitability.

Should You Buy a HarmonyOS Device?

HarmonyOS can be a sensible option for people who use compatible Huawei products and whose essential applications are available on the operating-system version being considered. Its value is particularly apparent when cross-device collaboration is important.

Before purchasing or upgrading, use the following checklist:

• Confirm the exact operating-system version and whether it is Android-compatible or native HarmonyOS.
• Check that banking, payment, messaging, business, navigation and authentication applications are available in the required version.
• Confirm whether the device and its intended features are supported in your country.
• Check language support, app-store access, warranty terms, update policy and after-sales service.
• Verify compatibility with existing computers, wearables, cloud services and accessories.
• Back up important information before performing an operating-system upgrade.

For organisations, test critical business applications and device-management requirements before deploying HarmonyOS at scale. Application availability, identity integration, endpoint management and support arrangements should be confirmed in a pilot deployment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HarmonyOS based on Android?

Earlier smartphone releases retained substantial Android-related compatibility and used AOSP-derived components. HarmonyOS NEXT and newer native releases move away from Android application compatibility. The answer depends on the exact generation and device.

Can HarmonyOS run Android APK files?

Native HarmonyOS releases do not support ordinary Android APK applications as a standard native installation method. Earlier Android-compatible releases may support Android applications. Check the device's actual operating-system generation and official documentation before installing software.

Is HarmonyOS open source?

OpenHarmony is an open-source project. Huawei's commercial HarmonyOS platform is based in part on OpenHarmony but includes Huawei-specific components and services. The existence of an open-source foundation does not mean that every component of commercial HarmonyOS is open source.

Does HarmonyOS work outside China?

Huawei products and some HarmonyOS-related experiences are available in international markets, but the availability of native HarmonyOS releases and their applications differs by region. Check official regional product information for current availability.

What is the difference between HarmonyOS and OpenHarmony?

HarmonyOS is Huawei's commercial operating-system platform. OpenHarmony is an open-source operating-system project that provides a foundation for device manufacturers and developers. Their components, supported products, release schedules and services are not necessarily identical.

Does HarmonyOS have a separate revenue figure?

A separate HarmonyOS revenue figure should not be assumed unless Huawei explicitly discloses one. Company-wide financial results include businesses beyond the operating system.

What programming language is used for HarmonyOS applications?

ArkTS is an important language for native HarmonyOS development, and ArkUI provides user-interface development capabilities. Developers also use DevEco Studio and the relevant SDKs. Available languages, APIs and application models depend on the target platform and release.

Conclusion

HarmonyOS has developed from Huawei's connected-device operating-system initiative into a major effort to establish an independent native software ecosystem. Its distributed architecture, developer tools and cross-device capabilities are important strengths, while application compatibility, regional availability and ecosystem maturity remain key considerations.

The most significant change is the transition from earlier Android-compatible releases to native HarmonyOS. For users, the best choice depends on application requirements and local support. For developers and IT administrators, the decision should be based on compatibility testing, deployment requirements and the long-term cost of supporting the platform.

Sources

• OpenHarmony Project — Technical overview and architecture
• Huawei Developer — Development resources and tools
• Huawei Consumer — Product and operating-system announcements
• Counterpoint Research — Global smartphone operating-system market-share analysis
• Huawei — Official annual reports and financial information