Huawei Launches HarmonyOS 6 for Developers, Showcases AI Advancements

Huawei Technologies, a leading Chinese technology firm, has officially unveiled HarmonyOS 6 during its annual developer conference held on June 21, 2025. This latest iteration of the proprietary operating system introduces significant advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and updates to its cloud architecture, specifically the CloudMatrix 384 AI rack architecture. While the company did not disclose a public launch date for HarmonyOS 6, it emphasized the operating system's enhanced intelligence and openness, aiming to fortify its software ecosystem amid ongoing U.S. sanctions.

Richard Yu Chengdong, chairman of Huawei’s consumer business group, announced at the conference that developers can now access the beta version of HarmonyOS 6. The company reports that over 40 device models currently run HarmonyOS 5, and more than 8 million developers are registered within its ecosystem, which boasts over 30,000 applications and 'atomic services' – mini programs that operate without installation.

Despite these advancements, Yu acknowledged that HarmonyOS still lags behind Apple's iOS and Google's Android in terms of global penetration and application support. He noted, 'The top 5,000 apps accounted for 99.9 percent of consumer time spent' on Huawei devices, indicating a concentrated usage pattern among users.

In addition to the operating system, Huawei introduced the HarmonyOS Agent Framework, which allows developers to create AI agents capable of executing tasks on users' behalf without the necessity of building or training foundational models. More than 50 AI agents from various platforms, including Weibo and Ximalaya, are anticipated to be available at the public release of HarmonyOS 6.

These developments come as Huawei seeks to strengthen its position in the tech industry, particularly in light of challenges posed by U.S. sanctions that have limited its access to certain technologies and markets. According to a report by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, the global market for AI applications is projected to reach $126 billion by 2025, underscoring the significance of Huawei's strategic move into this sector.

Experts in the field have offered varying perspectives on Huawei's advancements. Dr. Wang Li, an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Tsinghua University, noted that 'the integration of AI into consumer technology is crucial for future competitiveness.' Meanwhile, Dr. Emily Chen, a technology analyst at Gartner, remarked that 'while Huawei's advancements are commendable, the company faces significant hurdles in establishing trust and adoption in international markets due to geopolitical tensions.'

Looking ahead, Huawei's focus on enhancing HarmonyOS and expanding its AI offerings may play a pivotal role in shaping its future trajectory within the global technology landscape. As the company continues to innovate, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact its market share and consumer perceptions in the highly competitive tech industry.