This article only represents the author's own views.
In the ongoing battle between tech giants for dominance in the smartphone ecosystem, Huawei's push for its HarmonyOS has taken center stage. While the company has aggressively promoted its latest operating system (OS), the true litmus test has arrived with the launch of a new WeChat version designed specifically for HarmonyOS NEXT. But the early results are leaving many wondering if HarmonyOS NEXT can live up to the hype or if it will falter under the weight of China's indispensable apps.
High stakes for Huawei and WeChat
WeChat, with over a billion users, is essential for daily life in China. From messaging and payments to social networking and e-commerce, it serves as the digital backbone for millions. Huawei knows that winning over WeChat users is critical for the success of HarmonyOS NEXT. The company has rolled out a public testing phase for the WeChat HarmonyOS NEXT version, but so far, access is limited to a small group of users.
The anticipation is palpable. Industry analysts agree that how well WeChat integrates with HarmonyOS NEXT will either make or break Huawei's ambitious goals for its Mate 70 smartphone, the first flagship device designed to showcase the capabilities of HarmonyOS NEXT, the native version of the OS.