HarmonyOS Surpasses 8 Million Developers Amid China's Tech Initiative

SHENZHEN, June 21, 2025 — In a significant milestone for China's technology sector, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. announced that its self-developed operating system, HarmonyOS, has attracted over 8 million developers. This announcement was made during the Huawei Developer Conference in Dongguan, Guangdong Province. The surge in developer interest underscores the rapid expansion of HarmonyOS's ecosystem, which is pivotal to China's push for technological self-sufficiency.

According to Huawei's latest data, there are currently over 30,000 applications and meta-services either in development or receiving updates on the HarmonyOS platform. These applications span nearly 20 sectors, including government affairs, healthcare, and industrial applications. Furthermore, more than 100 mainstream productivity platforms, such as DingTalk and Feishu, have been adapted for HarmonyOS, collectively serving approximately 38 million enterprises across China.

The launch of HarmonyOS applications on September 25, 2023, marked a crucial turning point in the operating system's independent ecosystem development. At the recent Huawei conference, the company unveiled the beta version of HarmonyOS 6, which is expected to enhance user experience and functionalities further. Additionally, Huawei introduced the Harmony Agent Framework (HMAF), aimed at creating an innovative AI ecosystem capable of autonomous decision-making and collective collaboration among devices.

HarmonyOS, known as Hongmeng in Chinese, is an open-source operating system designed for a variety of devices and scenarios, including smartphones, tablets, wearables, smart home appliances, and electric vehicles. Originally launched in 2019, its development reflects China's strategic goal to reduce dependence on foreign technology and foster homegrown innovation.

Experts, such as Dr. Ming Wei, a technology analyst at Tsinghua University, emphasize the significance of this development. "The rapid growth of HarmonyOS not only showcases Huawei's technological advancements but also represents a broader trend in China's digital economy aiming for independence from Western technology," Dr. Wei stated in a recent interview with the Global Times (2025).

Moreover, Dr. Catherine Li, an Associate Professor at Peking University specializing in information systems, noted that the adaptability of HarmonyOS across diverse sectors highlights its potential for widespread application. "With substantial backing from the Chinese government and the increasing number of developers, HarmonyOS could redefine the competitive landscape of operating systems globally," she explained.

The implications of HarmonyOS's growth extend beyond the tech industry. Economically, the expansion of this ecosystem is poised to create numerous job opportunities and stimulate innovation within multiple sectors. Politically, it aligns with China’s objective to enhance its technological sovereignty amidst rising tensions with Western nations, particularly the United States.

Looking ahead, analysts predict that if the current trajectory continues, HarmonyOS could challenge established operating systems such as Android and iOS by fostering a unique ecosystem that encourages developer participation and innovation. However, challenges remain, particularly in attracting international developers and gaining acceptance outside of China. As the technology landscape evolves, HarmonyOS's future will be closely watched by industry experts and policymakers alike.

For China, the success of HarmonyOS is not merely a corporate achievement; it is a testament to the country's ambitions in the global tech arena. As Huawei continues to innovate and expand its ecosystem, the implications for both the domestic and international markets could be profound.