Without Android at all: Huawei has released a public beta version of HarmonyOS Next

Huawei has launched a public beta testing program for HarmonyOS Next, its new operating system. At the initial stage, owners of Mate 60 series smartphones, as well as Mate X5 and MatePad Pro 13.2 tablets can take part in it. In the near future, owners of more Huawei devices will be able to join the public testing of the software platform.

Image source: Huawei

Over the past few months, Huawei has released several beta versions of its new OS, which is known in China as Hongmeng, for developers and participants in the closed testing program. Now the software platform, which in the future will become a replacement for HarmonyOS, built on Android, has become available to a wider range of users. At the first stage of beta testing, HarmonyOS Next is available to owners of the following devices: Huawei Mate 60, Mate 60 Pro, Mate 60 Pro+, Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design, Mate X5, Mate X5 Collector Edition, MatePad Pro 13.2 and MatePad Pro 13.2 Collector Edition.

Users of the mentioned devices can register for the HarmonyOS Next beta program through the My Huawei app. They can then update the software to test HarmonyOS Next’s features. Since this is a test version of the OS, there is a possibility of data loss, so users are advised to make a backup copy before using it.

Through closed beta, HarmonyOS Next is available on more devices, including the Pura 70 and Pocket 2 series smartphones. Closed beta is currently available on the following devices: Huawei Pura 70, Pura 70 Pro, Pura 70 Pro+, Pura 70 Ultra , Pocket 2, Pocket 2 Art Edition and MatePad Pro 11 (2024).

With the release of the public beta version of HarmonyOS Next, users will have access not only to the new OS, but also to the latest applications. Android apps are no longer compatible with Huawei’s software platform, as the Chinese manufacturer has decided to completely stop using Google OS in its devices. In parallel, Huawei continues to work on adapting some Android applications for HarmonyOS.

According to the source, by the fourth quarter of this year, more than 10 thousand applications will be adapted for HarmonyOS Next. This will cover 99.9% of user demand in the Chinese market. One of the most popular apps in the home market, WeChat, also came out as a beta version along with the start of testing HarmonyOS Next. It is not yet known when Huawei’s new OS may become available outside the home market.