Huawei’s HarmonyOS Experiences Surging Popularity Outpacing iOS in China
The HarmonyOS, a mobile operating system from Huawei, is witnessing an explosive growth in popularity in China, outpacing iOS in terms of sales. This surge is largely attributed to the release of Huawei’s 5G smartphones based on its proprietary software platform.
Huawei’s HarmonyOS Outperforms iOS in China
According to renowned research firm Counterpoint Research, in the first quarter of 2024, Huawei’s HarmonyOS outperformed Apple’s competing iOS system in popularity in China for the first time. Specifically, HarmonyOS’s market share in China’s smartphone market jumped from 8% in Q1 2023, to 17% by the end of Q1 2024. At the same time, iOS’s popularity declined from 20% to 16% over the same period. Consequently, HarmonyOS ranks second after the dominating Android OS.
Experts note that for the first time since Q1 2019, iOS has lost market share compared to the previous quarter. Analysts attribute this primarily to Huawei’s active promotion of its latest 5G smartphones, which successfully compete with the iPhone.
HarmonyOS Gaining Ground Globally
The success of HarmonyOS is not confined to China. Counterpoint Research data shows that globally, HarmonyOS’s market share doubled from Q1 2023 to reach 4% in Q1 2024. Over the same period, the positions of market leaders Android and iOS somewhat shrunk — from 78% and 20% in Q1 2023 to 77% and 19% respectively in Q1 2024.
The adoption rate of HarmonyOS on 5G smartphones is particularly impressive. While only 9% of devices used HarmonyOS in Q1 2023, this figure rose to 50% in Q1 2024. Experts predict further rapid growth, considering Huawei’s focused attention on its domestic market.
A Bright Future for HarmonyOS
The forecasted estimates by experts at the beginning of the year have been completely validated. A growing consensus among analysts is that by the end of 2024, HarmonyOS will surpass iOS in popularity and become the second-largest mobile operating system in China.
