HarmonyOS 6 has burst onto the tech scene with a bang., marking a before and after in the development of mobile operating systemsAfter several years of evolution and moving away from the foundations of Android, Huawei is making it clear that its commitment goes far beyond a simple alternative. New features and advancements put HarmonyOS 6 at the forefront of innovation, capable of offering experiences that not even Android integrates today.
The competition between mobile operating systems has never been so fierce.While Google and Apple continue their battle, Huawei is moving forward alone with an increasingly mature ecosystem. HarmonyOS 6 not only seeks to adapt to mobile devicesIts reach extends to vehicles, tablets, laptops, wearables, and more, firmly committed to convergence and technological independence. But what exactly does this version offer? Why is it considered one of Android's strongest rivals and a real alternative for building a complete ecosystem?
The evolution of HarmonyOS: from Android clone to 100% proprietary system
The story of HarmonyOS began in a difficult situation for Huawei. After US restrictions removed it from Google servicesThe company opted to accelerate the development of its own operating system. The first versions of HarmonyOS were recognized as a variant (or "fork") of Android, based on AOSP, the open-source Android project. This allowed maintain compatibility with APK applications and reduce the initial impact on users and developers.
However, Everything has changed radically with the most recent generations of the systemWith the arrival of HarmonyOS Next and, more recently, HarmonyOS 6, Huawei has achieved an operating system with components developed from scratch, without depending on the Android kernel.. This translates into a total technical and strategic independencewhere applications no longer use the traditional APK format, but one exclusive to the HarmonyOS ecosystem, and mobile services — such as notifications, payments and authentications — are managed entirely through Huawei's infrastructure.
This break with Android not only affects the code, but also the visual and functional identity of the system. Huawei has taken advantage of its independence to redesign its Control centerunify connections such as Bluetooth and NearLink in the same interface, introduce interactive themes and build a consistent experience that is replicated across mobiles, tablets, watches, cars, and computers with HarmonyOS PC.
In parallel, Huawei is driving Open Harmonythe open-source codebase upon which other manufacturers and developers can build. This hybrid strategy allows the HarmonyOS core to become a de facto standard in their local marketgenerating more applications and services that then feed into the commercial version HarmonyOS 6.
Distinctive new features and new features in HarmonyOS 6
The presentation of HarmonyOS 6 at the Huawei Developer Conference 2025 served to showcase the company's innovation muscle. Several features debut or reach a new dimension compared to past versions and what Android or iOS offer.Unlike other updates focused on small visual changes, this one combines new performance engines, Deeply integrated AI, much more active security and a unprecedented cross-device collaboration.
Below are the main features that make the difference and explain why HarmonyOS 6 is perceived as a real alternative to Android.
XiaoYi contextual AI assistant and HMAF framework
One of the big bets is the XiaoYi contextual AI assistantThis new assistant uses artificial intelligence capable of analyze in real time the content visible on the screeninterpreting images, text, and conversations to offer personalized answers or suggestions. It can understand which app you're using, what's in a photo, what a chat is about, or what form you're filling out, and act accordingly without having to explain everything verbally..
This operation implies a leap forward compared to conventional assistants like Google Assistantsince it's not limited to isolated voice commands. XiaoYi understands the environment and context of useFacilitating interaction in any application or situation: from recommending actions in messaging apps to suggesting shortcuts when it detects that you are shopping, working, or traveling.
To support this experience, HarmonyOS 6 incorporates the Intelligent Assistant Framework (HMAF)This framework allows native applications to integrate with system intelligence. exposing functions and data to the assistant in a controlled and secure mannerThanks to HMAF, XiaoYi can:
- Access contextually to the information of each app, without duplicating data or compromising privacy.
- Coordinate actions between applicationssuch as booking a trip, making a payment, or generating a document from a conversation.
- Offer proactive suggestions that appear just when the user needs them, without requiring an explicit order.
This approach transforms HarmonyOS 6 into a system where AI ceases to be an isolated add-on and becomes structural part of the interface and daily workflow.
ChatExcel and new AI-powered productivity tools
HarmonyOS 6 introduce ChatExcel, one of the most striking features for users who work with spreadsheets and programmingInstead of creating formulas step by step, ChatExcel allows give commands in natural language (by voice or by text) to generate tables, apply filters, build functions or even create small scripts.
This benefits both advanced users and those just starting to program or work with data. AI interprets instructions like:
- «Sort this table by date and calculate the total sales per month«.
- «Generate a bar chart with these columns«.
- «Create a small script that renames these files according to their creation date«.
Thus, the learning curve is reduced and it democratizes access to tasks that, in other systems, require more specific training. ChatExcel also integrates with HarmonyOS Intelligence for automatically detect relevant data that arrive via email, chat or camera, proposing to convert them into tables or reports.
Intelligent data transmission and enhanced Touch and Share
One of the most practical features of HarmonyOS 6 is the seamless file transfer between devicesTouch and Share allows Send and receive documents, photos, and other content simply by tapping one device to another., like a mobile phone and a PC, without the need for cables or complex configurations.
Furthermore, the system supports that multiple people send and receive files simultaneouslyThis streamlines teamwork and information sharing in professional or educational settings. This mechanism goes beyond a simple file-sharing system: it is linked to the HarmonyOS Milky Way Interconnect Architecture, which improves the performance of the connection between devices and reduces energy consumption during these operations.
This interconnection is not limited to mobile phones and computers. It also encompasses tablets, watches, televisions and vehicle screensresulting in a truly unified user experience. The philosophy of HarmonyOS is clear: Devices cease to be independent islands and become nodes of the same system.
Desktop mode, advanced vehicle experience, and PC assault
HarmonyOS 6 includes a desktop mode This feature optimizes the use of tablets and laptops, transforming the system interface into an experience similar to that of a traditional computer when connected to external displays. This functionality makes it possible to:
- Working with resizable windows and a more classic taskbar.
- Use shared keyboard and mouse between several HarmonyOS devices.
- Leveraging mobile applications in desktop formatimproving productivity and multitasking.
In the automotive sector, HarmonyOS 6 takes a significant leap forward by integrating with infotainment systems. Key features include:
- Smart parking, with information on available parking and assisted guidance.
- Contactless payments from your carusing facial recognition, QR codes and secure methods integrated into the system.
- Fuel refueling management without leaving the vehicleThanks to services developed in conjunction with energy operators and official partners, including agreements with the oil authority in China to facilitate authorizations and payments from the car's screen.
All of this makes HarmonyOS 6 a direct rival for platforms like Android Auto, with the advantage that it is part of an ecosystem that also includes mobile phones, tablets and computers.
Expansion into the PC world is another key pillar. With HarmonyOS PCHuawei is bringing its system to laptops and desktops, with features such as:
- DisplayPort compatibility to easily connect external consoles and monitors.
- Hand-eye collaboration modewhich allows the mouse focus to flow between devices depending on the cursor position and gaze.
- Coherent visual experience between mobile, tablet and computer, reinforcing the feeling of a unified ecosystem.
This move reinforces the idea of vertical integration: If you use a Huawei mobile phone with HarmonyOS, the most natural environment will be a laptop or a wearable device from the same platform..
Performance improvements: Ark Engine and deep optimization
Performance is one of the most carefully considered aspects. Thanks to the new Ark Engine and the Ark EngineHarmonyOS 6 improves on several key fronts:
- Faster app openingwith virtually instant launches even in heavy apps.
- smoother animations and stable, with lower resource consumption.
- Optimizing autonomyadjusting CPU and GPU usage according to the context.
Huawei is committed to deep integration between hardware and softwareAlthough it may not always have the most advanced lithography processors, it compensates with an extremely optimized system. This philosophy allows it to Devices with seemingly less powerful chips offer a high-end experiencereducing loading times, improving stability and extending the lifespan of the terminals.
In demanding scenarios, such as complex video games, split-screen multitasking, or video editing, HarmonyOS 6 maintains a constant flow which competes directly with the best Android implementations.
Subtle but relevant redesigns: notification center and visual consistency
In addition to the great features, HarmonyOS 6 introduces very carefully considered visual and interface adjustmentsOne of the most striking changes is the Reorganization of the top panel and notification centerWhen you unfold it, Certain common icons in the status bar disappear, leaving a cleaner and less cluttered view.showing only essential information such as the operator.
It may seem like a minor detail, but it affects one of the most repeated gestures dailyReview notifications. The idea is to reduce visual clutter, prioritize important content, and unify the design with the rest of the devices in the ecosystem, including computers running HarmonyOS PC. In this way, Each interaction feels more consistent, without abrupt changes when switching from one screen format to another..
Compatibility and supported devices
HarmonyOS 6 is initially being rolled out in the Chinese market, with a Public beta for users and developers with selected devicesThe list includes high-end models, foldable phones, tablets, and wearables that represent the spearhead of the Huawei ecosystem.
Compatible models include:
- Matte Range: Mate 60, Mate 60 Pro, Mate 60 Pro+, Mate 60 RS, Mate 70, Mate 70 Pro.
- Pure Line: Pura 70, Pura 70 Pro, Pura 70 Pro+, Pura 70 Ultra.
- Folding modelsPocket 2, Mate X5.
- Tablets: MatePad Pro 13.2, MatePad Pro 11″ in their recent generations.
- WearablesHuawei Watch Ultimate and other advanced watches from the brand.
- Nova Series: Nova 12 and 13 families, as well as the Nova Flip.
This compatibility also extends to other smart devices.This includes devices such as headphones, televisions, and other products within the Huawei ecosystem, as well as infotainment systems in vehicles associated with the brand. Each new wave of updates adds more models, reinforcing HarmonyOS 6's presence across all types of devices.
Cross-platform experience and real-time collaboration
One of the most valued aspects of HarmonyOS 6 is its real integration between devicesThe Touch and Share function, together with the system's interconnection architecture, allows not only transfer files ultra-fast, but also:
- Start collaborative games tapping two mobiles to join the same game.
- Share documents and presentations between mobile, tablet and PC by dragging with the cursor or with simple taps.
- Use a single keyboard and mouse to control multiple devices at once.
HarmonyOS PC —the version for computers— receives improvements that make it easier connection to external monitors via DisplayPortas well as the use of gaming consoles or accessories. Furthermore, features such as hand-eye coordination They make it possible for the cursor to move from one device to another without interruption, maintaining continuity of work.
This philosophy of unified ecosystem This is reflected in a seamless experience: starting a task on your mobile device and continuing it on your PC or in your vehicle without losing data or context. Huawei is moving away from the traditional model of isolated platforms and proposing a Full connectivity between deviceswhere the operating system acts as the backbone of the user's digital life.
Total independence: native applications, proprietary format, and Android support
One of the most relevant factors of HarmonyOS 6 and, especially, of HarmonyOS Next, is The end of native Android apps on mobile phones and tablets in the Chinese ecosystemNow, apps must be developed specifically for HarmonyOS, using new formats and programming frameworks that make better use of the system architecture.
Huawei encourages developer migration with Tools compatible with popular languages such as Java, Kotlin, and even Swiftfacilitating the adaptation of existing projects. Thanks to this strategy, the company has managed to bring together thousands of applications in its AppGallery, which is presented as an alternative to Google Play, with local apps, financial services, travel platforms, and productivity tools optimized for the HarmonyOS ecosystem.
Still, HarmonyOS Next can run Android apps using emulatorsOne of the most talked-about tools is "EzsyAbroad," available on the AppGallery, which allows you to launch Android apps—including Google apps like YouTube, Maps, Chrome, and Netflix—on HarmonyOS devices. This emulator creates a safe and separate environment, facilitating access to international apps when the user needs it, without sacrificing the stability or security of the main system.
In this way, HarmonyOS 6 combines technological independence y practical flexibilityIt enhances its own ecosystem of applications, while also offering a solution for those who still rely on tools designed for Android.
Privacy and security in HarmonyOS 6: the new Star Shield architecture
Data protection is one of the central pillars of HarmonyOS 6. The Star Shield architecture It goes far beyond simple one-off biometric authentication. It's a active security scheme that combines hardware, software and artificial intelligence to anticipate threats.
Star Shield integrates device sensors such as cameras, GPS and biometric elements to verify user authenticity and detect anomalies in application behavior. During the beta phase and according to data presented at HDC 2025This architecture achieved Detect and block over 8.600 apps with suspicious permissions, increasing detection efficiency in a 23% compared to previous versions.
Its capabilities include:
- Improvements in biometric authentication, cross-referencing data from different sensors to verify that it is the owner who is interacting with the device.
- Real-time permission monitoring, detecting apps that attempt to unjustifiably access the camera, microphone, location, or contacts.
- Proactive threat blockingpreventing the installation or execution of potentially malicious software.
In addition, HarmonyOS 6 incorporates features of AI-powered visual anti-espionage protectionThe system can detect when there is multiple views on the screen and automatically hide the content of certain apps, displaying a discreet notification to the user. This is especially useful on public transport, in shared offices, or in meetings.
Combining Star Shield, intelligent analysis of suspicious calls and advanced encryption of shared files This puts HarmonyOS 6 in a leading position in terms of security and privacy compared to Android and other systems.
Artificial intelligence applications for everyday life
HarmonyOS 6 takes artificial intelligence to a practical level that is noticeable in daily use. The XiaoYi assistant—a contextual AI engine—can recognize multimedia content, identify pending tasks and propose automatic solutions. For example: uterine
- If you receive a photo with a data table, the system can I suggest you create a spreadsheet with ChatExcel.
- If it detects a conversation about travel, it can propose adding dates to the calendar, search for routes or save important documents.
- If you're viewing a guide or recipe, you might extract steps and create a to-do list interactive.
Furthermore, the functionality HarmonyOS Intelligence It learns from the user's routines and preferences. This allows the system anticipate needs, offering suggested actions before the user requests them: open a specific app at a certain time, activate a concentration mode, adjust the brightness or volume according to the environment, or prepare shortcuts when it detects that you connect to the car or to work.
The result is an operating system that not only executes orders, but also accompanies and proposesfacilitating processes that in other systems require more manual steps.
Innovation in automotive and smart home
An area where HarmonyOS 6 takes a differential leap It lies in the integration with smart vehicles and homes. In the car, the operating system is not limited to displaying navigation and music: it offers a full infotainment interface with deep service integration.
Thanks to collaboration with service providers, HarmonyOS 6 makes it possible to:
- Control vehicle functions from the mobile phone, such as climate control, locking, location and charging or fuel level.
- Make parking and refueling payments without leaving the car, with biometric authentication on the vehicle's screen.
- Sync content and applications between the mobile phone and the car console, maintaining the context of navigation, calls or entertainment.
At home, HarmonyOS 6 acts as brain of the domestic ecosystemFrom their mobile phone, tablet, or smartwatch, the user can:
- Control lights, climate control and blinds with predefined scenes or intelligent automations.
- Manage connected appliances, such as washing machines, robot vacuum cleaners or refrigerators.
- Receive security alerts of cameras, motion sensors or alarms, with automatic responses defined by the user.
The key advantage over Android-based solutions is that Everything is integrated under the same operating systemWith a consistent interface and the same Huawei account as a common axis, simplifying setup and control.
International perspectives and future of HarmonyOS 6 outside of China
At the moment, HarmonyOS 6 and its entire ecosystem are focused on the Chinese marketOutside of this environment, Huawei maintains its Android-based EMUI layer for global devices, although many ideas and features first tested in HarmonyOS are often released there. to inspire future innovations in EMUI.
The international expansion of HarmonyOS 6 will depend on several key factors:
- Developer support to port their applications to the new native format.
- Availability of essential services and apps in each region, such as banking, messaging, or video platforms.
- User reception, who will evaluate the system's ability to replace or complement Android and iOS.
HarmonyOS 6's journey proves that challenging the dominance of Android and iOS is possible. With advancements in AI, privacy, performance, and cross-platform experienceHuawei is redefining expectations for an operating system, offering tools and services that, in many cases, are still unrivaled in other markets. As its ecosystem grows and expands into more regions, HarmonyOS 6 is establishing itself as one of the most ambitious bets for the mobility and connectivity of the future..
The combination of technological independence, deep device integration, and an AI-centric approach puts HarmonyOS 6 in a unique position relative to Android, not just as an alternative, but as A model of what a modern operating system can look like in a multi-screen environment and connected scenarios.