Huawei’s homegrown operating system, HarmonyOS, has reached a significant milestone in the Chinese market, according to recent data from Counterpoint Research.
The report indicates that HarmonyOS has surpassed Apple’s iOS to become the second most popular mobile operating system in China, trailing only Android. This development marks a notable shift in the Chinese smartphone market and highlights Huawei’s resilience and innovation in the face of severe challenges.
According to Counterpoint, HarmonyOS held an 8% market share in China in the first quarter of 2023. By the first quarter of 2024, this share had more than doubled to a commendable 17%. In contrast, iOS experienced a decline during the same period, dropping from 20% to 16%. This suggests that the sales of Apple’s latest iPhone 15 series may not have met expectations in China, where consumer preferences appear to be shifting towards local alternatives like HarmonyOS.
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Huawei’s rise in the Chinese market has been fueled by several strategic moves and innovations. The company’s focus on integrating HarmonyOS into a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other IoT products, has created a seamless and appealing ecosystem for users. This integration enhances user convenience and loyalty, making HarmonyOS a compelling choice for Chinese consumers.
Huawei’s Resilience Amid US Sanctions
HarmonyOS’s ascent to the second position in the Chinese market is a noteworthy achievement for Huawei, particularly considering the significant challenges the company has faced due to US sanctions. These sanctions have restricted Huawei’s access to critical Google services, which are essential for Android devices. Despite these restrictions, Huawei has demonstrated an impressive ability to innovate and adapt, developing HarmonyOS as a robust alternative to Android.
The US sanctions aimed to cripple Huawei’s operations by limiting its access to both hardware and software technologies. However, Huawei’s strategic shift towards developing its own ecosystem has paid off. The rapid adoption of HarmonyOS in China underscores the company’s successful pivot and ability to maintain a competitive edge in the domestic market.
HarmonyOS’s growing popularity can be attributed to several factors. Huawei’s extensive ecosystem, which includes a range of devices that seamlessly interact with one another, offers users a unique and integrated experience. The company’s recent flagship devices, the Mate 60 and Pura 70 series have garnered significant attention and contributed to the operating system’s success.
Additionally, HarmonyOS offers unique features and optimizations tailored to the Chinese market. These include enhanced security measures, localized services, and a user-friendly interface that appeals to a broad demographic. By focusing on these localized needs, Huawei has successfully differentiated HarmonyOS from its competitors.
Apple’s Efforts to Regain Market Dominance
In response to Huawei’s rising dominance, Apple is making concerted efforts to regain its market share in China. The company has been investing in localized marketing campaigns and tailoring its products to suit Chinese consumers’ preferences better. Apple’s focus on integrating advanced features such as enhanced camera capabilities, 5G support, and localized apps and services aims to attract more Chinese consumers.
Apple is also working on strengthening its ecosystem by improving the integration between its various devices, including the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac. By offering a seamless and interconnected user experience, Apple hopes to retain its loyal customer base and attract new users. Additionally, Apple has been exploring strategic partnerships with local Chinese companies to enhance its market presence and appeal.
Despite these efforts, Apple faces significant challenges in regaining its market dominance. The competitive pricing of Huawei’s devices, coupled with the growing popularity of HarmonyOS, presents a formidable obstacle. Moreover, Huawei’s strong brand loyalty and extensive ecosystem make it difficult for Apple to sway existing Huawei users.
Semiconductor, A Huge Challenge Facing Huawei
While HarmonyOS’s success in China is impressive, Huawei still faces significant challenges, particularly in the global market. The ongoing semiconductor shortage, exacerbated by US sanctions, remains a critical issue for the company. Acknowledging this challenge, one of Huawei’s executives recently stated that the semiconductor shortage has impacted the company’s ability to produce sufficient quantities of its devices.
To mitigate the impact of the semiconductor shortage, Huawei has been investing heavily in research and development to develop its own chip technologies. The company is also exploring partnerships with other semiconductor manufacturers to secure a stable supply of chips. While these efforts are promising, it will take time for Huawei to fully overcome the challenges posed by the semiconductor shortage.
HarmonyOS in the Global Market
While HarmonyOS currently holds a dominant position within China, its global presence remains nascent. Android maintains a firm grip on the worldwide market with an estimated 77% share. However, HarmonyOS is demonstrating impressive growth on the global stage, doubling its user base from 2% to 4% year-on-year. iOS follows closely behind with a 19% share, according to Counterpoint.
Analysts anticipate that Huawei will capitalize on this momentum and expand HarmonyOS’s reach beyond China. The company’s ambitious plans include integrating HarmonyOS into laptops, potentially disrupting the traditional PC market. This move could position Huawei as a formidable player in the broader tech ecosystem, challenging established brands in the laptop and PC sectors.