Huawei launches Mate 70 Series, first phones featuring its self-developed HarmonyOS NEXT operating system

Huawei on Tuesday unveiled the Mate 70 series, its latest smartphone running on the company’s self-developed HarmonyOS NEXT operating system. This marks another step in Huawei’s drive for technological independence amid ongoing U.S. sanctions.

The Mate 70 follows the release of last year’s Mate 60, a device that shocked both the tech and political landscapes. The Mate 60 featured a semiconductor that many thought would be out of Huawei’s reach due to U.S. restrictions aimed at blocking access to advanced chip technologies. Since being cut off from Google’s Android operating system in 2019, Huawei has invested heavily in developing its own software solutions.

Richard Yu, who leads Huawei’s consumer and auto divisions, confirmed that the Mate 70 is powered by HarmonyOS NEXT, described as the company’s first fully self-developed mobile OS. Unlike earlier versions, which relied on open-source Android code, HarmonyOS NEXT represents a significant departure, using entirely new code.

“HarmonyOS NEXT has good potential as an alternative in China,” said Will Wong, senior research manager at IDC, adding that Huawei’s brand strength and efforts to build an app ecosystem give it an edge, CNBC reported.

Rebuilding Momentum

Years of sanctions significantly impacted Huawei’s consumer business, but the Mate 60 series marked a turning point, revitalizing the company’s presence in China and intensifying competition with Apple. Reservations for the Mate 70 have already surpassed three million on a Chinese e-commerce platform, signaling strong domestic interest, though actual sales remain to be seen.

The company also highlighted the Mate 70’s artificial intelligence features, such as advanced photo editing tools, as it seeks to differentiate itself in a competitive market where AI innovation is becoming increasingly central.

The Mate 70 series includes three models: the Mate 70, starting at 5,499 yuan ($759), the Mate 70 Pro, and the Mate 70 Pro+, priced at 8,499 yuan. Huawei also unveiled its new foldable smartphone, the Mate X6, starting at 12,999 yuan.

Focused on HarmonyOS NEXT

Huawei’s recent success in China has propelled it back into the country’s top five smartphone brands. Devices like the trifold Mate XT and the Mate 60 Pro have showcased the company’s ability to innovate despite U.S. sanctions.

The HarmonyOS NEXT rollout extends beyond the new Mate 70 series, with older Huawei devices set to receive the upgrade in the coming months. At the launch event, Richard Yu demonstrated how the new OS integrates with popular apps like Alipay, emphasizing its capability to support a broad range of functionalities.

While the focus remains on China, international challenges persist for Huawei due to ongoing trade restrictions. However, the company’s progress underscores its determination to assert itself in the market.

Domestic Chip Production Rises

U.S. sanctions on Chinese chips have triggered ripple effects for global semiconductor giants, while China has leaned heavily on domestically produced alternatives. Huawei’s production of its flagship Mate 60 Pro has ramped up to meet surging demand, with reports indicating the device sold out within minutes of its release online. The company now aims to produce 15 to 17 million units to keep pace with consumer interest.

By doubling down on innovation and leveraging local resources, Huawei is staking its claim as a resilient force in the global tech landscape, even as it faces unprecedented challenges.