In mid-May we learned that Google was banning Huawei after the United States added the Chinese company to its 'blacklist' trade. The Huawei problem with Android It was not because of relations between Google and Huawei but because of the relationship between the United States and China. And a margin period was given, but the final solution has not arrived yet and, at this point, users do not know for sure What will happen to Huawei phones?.
In a Reuters report, in which industry sources are cited, they assure that in a matter of of the to four weeksapproximately, US companies will be given the opportunity to make business with HuaweiThis would not only definitively solve the Android problems for the mobile manufacturer, but also the problems with chip suppliers and other hardware components that come from the United States.
Licenses to negotiate with Huawei and the definitive solution in a matter of two weeks
Earlier this month the United States Department of Commerce began allowing the license request to sell products to Huawei. But no details were provided at the time as to when such licenses would begin to be approved. business relationship. Now, however, this Reuters exclusive reveals that it will be in a matter of two weeks when applications begin to be approved and licenses granted. However, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has indicated that these licenses will only be validated if they do not represent a threat to national security.
And although the approval of licenses will already mean a relief for huawei, its users and its suppliers, from the Chinese company continue to press. They remember that no law has been violated at any time and that, therefore, business with US companies should be allowed without requesting licenses temporary that allow it. 'Restrictions must be completely removed', comment from Huawei, noting that Huawei has not been found guilty of having committed any relevant crime, and while the company does not represent any risk to the cyber security of this or any country.
Within a period of between two and four weeks, which is when the approval of the commercial relationship licenses will start, it will be when we know in greater detail what will happen to Huawei phones. The solution is in sight and the next step will be to continue improving the relationship so that, effectively, the restrictions are eliminated and the step, now necessary, of requesting licenses Temporary
From Android to HarmonyOS: how the future of Huawei mobiles has changed
As time went on, Huawei's response to the ban became clear: minimize your dependence on Android and, in general, any technology subject to US restrictions. This strategic move explains the emergence and evolution of HarmonyOS, the company's own operating system.
In the first phase, Huawei phones used a version of HarmonyOS based on the Android open source code (AOSP), combined with the layer EMUIThis allowed many Android applications to continue running, although without the Google Mobile Services (GMS) and with limitations when using the Play Store or apps like Gmail in native mode.
The current roadmap goes much further and includes HarmonyOS Nextan operating system that no longer relies on Android code. This new software includes its own kernel, Huawei-specific software development tools (SDKs), and a model of integrated artificial intelligence called Harmony Intelligence or Harmony Intelligente, designed to improve the user experience throughout the brand's ecosystem.
Huawei's goal with this system is to become completely independent of any critical US technology, both at the software and hardware level, and build an ecosystem as broad as possible: mobiles, tablets, watches, computers, connected cars and smart home solutions, all under the same umbrella.
What will happen to Huawei phones outside of China?
The big question for many users is how this transition will affect Huawei mobile phones sold in Europe, Latin America and other international marketsAnd here we must clearly distinguish between what is happening in China and the rest of the world.
In the Chinese market, Huawei is migrating its devices to HarmonyOS Nextwith a complete commitment to its own ecosystem of apps and services. However, local teams from the brand in countries like Peru have made it clear that HarmonyOS Next will not be released outside of China for now.Mobile phones sold outside of China continue to operate with EMUI based on AndroidThis allows for some compatibility with traditional applications and services.
The company has reiterated that it will continue to offer EMUI updates and security improvements for these devices, so that current users aren't left behind. For Huawei, these markets remain key, and its strategy involves first perfecting the HarmonyOS experience within China before planning a more aggressive global expansion.
Meanwhile, Huawei has strengthened its AppGalleryGoogle, its app store, has sought agreements and alternative solutions so users can access the most popular apps, even without Google Play. This includes everything from social networks like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook to banking apps and well-known e-commerce platforms.
The role of Kirin chips and Huawei's technological autonomy
The US veto didn't just affect the software: it also directly impacted Huawei's ability to buy advanced semiconductors to companies like Qualcomm or to manufacturers related to US technology. That was the main reason why the company doubled down on the Kirin chips designed in-house.
Currently, Kirin chips are produced by Chinese foundries like SMIC, with less advanced manufacturing processes than those of giants like TSMC. This means that, in many cases, Huawei's chips will one or two generations behind in energy efficiency and raw power compared to the latest Snapdragon or Apple Silicon.
Even so, Huawei has demonstrated a great capacity to software optimization To compensate for these disadvantages, experts who have analyzed its latest foldable and high-end models highlight that the company gets the most out of the available hardware thanks to highly refined software, achieving competitive performance even with limitations in the lithography of its processors.
This combination of proprietary Kirin chips y HarmonyOS Internal development has become the backbone of Huawei's strategy: the less dependence on suppliers and technologies subject to veto, the greater its room for maneuver to continue launching mid-range and high-end mobile phones with advanced features.
The HarmonyOS ecosystem beyond mobile: cars, wearables and smart cities
One of the biggest differences between Huawei before the ban and Huawei today is the breadth of its strategy. The company has ceased to be just a mobile phone manufacturer and has become a transversal actor in many technological areas.
In the field of automotiveHuawei collaborates with several Chinese brands to offer complete platforms of software, sensors, connectivity, and infotainment systems based on HarmonyOS. There are models on the market with the "Huawei Inside", where the company does not directly manufacture the car, but does provide the digital "brain" of the vehicle.
In the field of wWatches like the Watch GT or Watch Ultimate series have positioned themselves very well thanks to their battery life, design, and the integration of technologies such as TruSense, a set of sensors and algorithms that monitors dozens of health and physical activity indicators with great precision.
Huawei also participates in projects of smart citieswhere it combines 5G, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things to transform urban infrastructure into connected systems managed in real time. From street lighting to waste management and security, the company offers platforms capable of acting as a true urban "nervous system."
This entire ecosystem reinforces the value of Huawei mobiles: they are not just isolated devices, but gateways to a set of interconnected services and productsfrom the car and the clock to the house and the city.
Meanwhile in Europe: a discreet but constant presence
In Europe, Huawei smartphone sales suffered a significant decline in the early years of the ban, mainly due to the inability to offer pre-installed Google servicesHowever, the brand never completely disappeared from the market.
Huawei maintained its presence in categories such as smartwatches, headphones, tablets and laptopsProducts that don't depend directly on Google and that have continued to be well-received by users. Every watch sold, every pair of FreeBuds, or every MateBook becomes a small seed of future loyalty towards the brand.
Europe continues to be seen by Huawei as the great international testing groundThere, the company became the leading mobile phone seller, built a strong reputation in mobile photography thanks to its collaboration with Leica, and maintains significant brand recognition. Furthermore, many European countries do not have a total ban on their consumer phones, which opens the door to a potentially more ambitious comeback.
To make life easier for European users, Huawei has been closing local gapsFor example, by integrating solutions for mobile payments, agreements with banks and transport platforms, and expanding the catalog of apps in AppGallery or through direct downloads from the official pages of developers.
The premise is clear: if they manage to offer a ecosystem good enough —although it's not perfect—, there is a market for their mobile phones even without Google.
What happens to Google apps on a Huawei phone?
One of the most frequently asked questions since the start of the ban has been whether Huawei mobile phones They will no longer have access to Google Play apps or if they will be able to continue using them in some way.
For older devices, Google indicated that they would still have access to Google Play, its apps, and Google Play Protectprovided they were certified before the policy change. In other words, phones that were released with Google services integrated won't lose them overnight, although updates Android and security features may be limited depending on the model and agreement.
On newer Huawei phones, which no longer include GMS, there are several alternatives. Some people have opted for third-party solutions such as microGMicroG is an open-source project that simulates Google services so that certain apps that require them can function. With MicroG, it's possible to log in with a Google account and use applications like Gmail, Drive, or YouTube, although with potential limitations. errors, incompatibilities, or risks of the method ceasing to work at any time.
Technology experts warn that these methods are useful, but they are far from offering a native and stable experienceGoogle updates can break compatibility, and the average user may feel confused. Therefore, many recommend that those who rely heavily on Google services carefully consider whether a current Huawei phone is the best option.
Other analysts, however, point out that many popular apps—such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok—can be installed directly from AppGallery or their official websites, without using Google Play. In these cases, the experience can be... fully functionalAnd there are even alternatives like Petal Maps or Huawei's own services to replace some Google tools.
How to install and use popular apps without Google Play on Huawei phones
Although this article does not focus on a step-by-step tutorial, it is important to understand the practical scenario which is faced by users of a recent Huawei mobile phone without Google.
First, many apps can be downloaded directly from the AppGalleryHuawei has been increasingly adding official titles to its platform. These include social networks, messaging apps, banks, short video platforms, e-commerce apps, and productivity tools.
Secondly, some applications, such as certain social networks, offer installation files from their websites. APK which can be downloaded safely and directly. EMUI remains an Android-based interface, so Huawei phones outside of China can still install external APKs, provided the user enables the option to install apps from unknown sources and is cautious about the origin of the files.
For Google services themselves, the official way is use the web versionsFor example, accessing YouTube from your browser and adding a shortcut to your home screen works much like an app, and allows you to sign in with a Google account and use features like YouTube Premium.
This combination of AppGallery, official APKs, and web versions allows many users to cover their needs. Daily necessities Without missing the Play Store too much, although the experience is still somewhat more fragmented than on a traditional Android with full GMS.
Honor and other Chinese brands: could they follow Huawei's path?
When the initial veto occurred, doubts arose as to whether other Chinese brands like Honor They could be affected in the same way. At one time, Honor was closely linked to Huawei, sharing software and many hardware components.
Over time, Honor officially separated from Huawei as an independent brand to try to circumvent some of the restrictions. However, the evolution of the Technological war between the United States and China This creates a context in which any relevant Chinese manufacturer could be under greater scrutiny.
Beyond the specific case of Honor, some analysts wonder if in the future Other Chinese brands such as Oppo, Xiaomi, Vivo, or Realme China might consider adopting HarmonyOS instead of Android. Political pressure from the Chinese government to reduce dependence on Western platforms like Android and Windows, and the promotion of OpenHarmony as a "strategic national operating system," fuel this possibility.
If a significant number of Chinese manufacturers were to adopt HarmonyOS, the global mobile market could be transformed: Android would lose several of its key players. main partnersSamsung would solidify its position as Google's main ally outside the Apple ecosystem, and HarmonyOS would become a third global pole in just a few years.
Security risks and updates on Huawei mobile phones
Since the beginning of the conflict, one of the aspects that most concerns users is the Huawei mobile security, particularly regarding Android updates and security patches.
Cybersecurity experts point out that the main risk of being left out of the official Google ecosystem is that the devices could stop receiving critical updates with the same speed or frequency as before. Without these patches, the device could become more vulnerable to new threats, app vulnerabilities, and rapidly evolving attacks.
However, Huawei has repeatedly stated that it will continue providing security updates and after-sales services to all its smartphones and tablets, both those already sold and those still in stock. Through its own infrastructure and relying on open-source Android code when necessary, the company can deploy fixes and improvements directly to its devices.
In parallel, the development of HarmonyOS And its increasing integration into the brand's phones allows Huawei to more directly control the update cycle, without depending on Google to integrate patches and new features.
For the end user, the usual recommendation remains to always keep the mobile phone on. updated to the latest version available If you are using EMUI or HarmonyOS, check regularly for new updates and only download apps from trusted sources such as AppGallery or official developer websites.
Europe's role and the tension with Huawei in 5G and 6G networks
Beyond consumer mobile phones, Huawei has been for years one of the main network infrastructure providers worldwide, especially in 4G and 5G deployments. This has placed the company at the center of the geopolitical debate on the security of critical networks.
The European Union has developed a strategy to protect its next-generation networks, which includes a «5G security toolbox"with measures to limit the presence of suppliers considered high-risk in the most sensitive parts of the network, such as the core. Huawei and ZTE are frequently mentioned among these suppliers."
Current European philosophy can be summarized in the concept of Open Strategic AutonomyIt's not about manufacturing everything within Europe, but about avoiding excessive dependence on a single country or supplier for key infrastructure. This involves strengthening cybersecurity, supporting European players like Nokia and Ericsson, and seeking alliances with trusted partners such as South Korea, Japan, or the United States.
In this context, the use of open architectures is being promoted, such as OpenRAN and vRANThese technologies allow for mixing hardware and software from different manufacturers, reducing the "lock-in" created by traditional closed systems. Agreements such as the one between Samsung and Vodafone to deploy Open RAN in Europe are examples of this new approach.
Although this strategy is not directed exclusively against Huawei, it does limit its presence in many network projects in Europe, which in the medium term also indirectly influences the perception and adoption of their mobile phones by governments and companies.
What Huawei is doing today: from crisis to diversification
Huawei's recent history can be understood as an extreme case of «crisis turned into opportunity«. He US veto It was a direct blow to its smartphone business, just as the company was competing head-to-head with market leaders.
Instead of resigning themselves to it, Huawei opted for a strategy of aggressive diversificationIt invested heavily in R&D, allocating a very high percentage of its revenue to its own technological research. This has resulted in advances in Kirin chips, the development of HarmonyOS, and new mobile photography technologies such as Xmage, in sound, health and sports monitoring platforms, and in its expansion into sectors such as electric cars, the IoT and smart cities.
In the mobile phone sector, the company continues to launch innovative devices: advanced foldable phones, models with very powerful cameras, and ranges that compete in design, battery life, and connectivity. Although the absence of Google remains a handicap in many markets, Huawei has demonstrated that It has not abandoned the high-end range nor to fight to recover quota.
At the same time, their watches and wearables have become industry referencesleading global shipments in some quarters and standing out for its accuracy in health metrics, battery life, and build quality. Tablets, headphones, and computers have also gained visibility, supported by a consistent design language and the progressive integration of HarmonyOS.
All this effort shows that Huawei has opted for an approach of «divide and conquer": to strengthen several lines of business, increase its technological autonomy and forge strategic alliances so that no external restriction can completely paralyze the company."
For users, the current landscape of Huawei phones It's complex, but also full of nuances: those who value their hardware, their photography, and their ecosystem can still find very competitive products, as long as they understand how things work today. apps, updates and services In the absence of Google, the brand's future no longer depends solely on Android, but on its ability to consolidate HarmonyOS and a truly global ecosystem that is gradually ceasing to be a promise and becoming a rapidly expanding reality.
