logo
When Empires Collide: The Strain Of Building HarmonyOS

When Empires Collide: The Strain Of Building HarmonyOS

Forbes20 hours ago
SUQIAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 23, 2024 - Illustration Huawei's native Harmony OS operating system, China's ... More first homegrown mobile operating system, is officially released.
Since Huawei launched HarmonyOS, one question has come up repeatedly: why hasn't the HarmonyOS version of WeChat matched its Android and iOS counterparts in functionality?
As one of China's most widely used applications, WeChat plays a central role in daily communication, payments, and services. Its slower-than-expected development on HarmonyOS reflects broader challenges facing this new operating system—not just for Tencent, but for developers across the ecosystem.
Rebuilding, Not Porting
According to a Chinese podcast Yi E Chuan E on July 3, WeChat's development team began building the HarmonyOS-native version in 2024. The task involved far more than simply porting the existing Android version. HarmonyOS NEXT had removed Android compatibility entirely, requiring a full architectural rebuild using Huawei's tools and system APIs.
Core functions like messaging and payments were given priority, but more complex features—such as Moments, Mini Programs, voice and video calls, and third-party plugins—needed to be re-engineered from the ground up. Much of this functionality was developed over a decade ago and lacks clean documentation, adding to the difficulty of the migration.
Frequent changes to HarmonyOS itself presented an additional layer of complexity. Unlike Android, which follows a predictable annual API cycle, HarmonyOS underwent multiple API iterations in short periods. Developers noted that at one point, they had to adapt to two API versions in a single month, which increased development costs and timelines.
A Platform Still Under Construction
HarmonyOS remains a work in progress. Key system features such as file access, webview rendering, multi-tasking, and accessibility services are still evolving. For apps like WeChat, which depend on tight integration with system functions, any instability at the OS level can delay development or affect performance.
The PC version of HarmonyOS reveals additional challenges. Though PC WeChat has a smaller user base, it is vital for office communication and livestreaming. Developers cited limitations such as partial multi-window support, a dual-runtime architecture using ArkTS and Qt, and mobile-oriented system behavior that doesn't fully align with desktop expectations.
In the podcast, a Harmony developer explained they've taken a gradual rollout approach, prioritizing stability and reliability. Even features that have been internally developed are being released slowly to avoid undermining user trust.
Small Developers Face Steeper Challenges
Recently, a blogger called Zhuge Wang released a statistical chart. Based on the information, Zhuge Wang's chart analyzes how many apps from major Chinese internet companies are compatible with Huawei's Harmony OS. Here's a summary:
A Xiaohongshu blogger analyzed the ranking of Chinese tech companies adapting the HarmonyOS
If Tencent, Alibaba, Bytedance and NetEast— China's most technically advanced companies—has required over a year to rebuild their supper Apps for HarmonyOS, the road ahead for smaller developers is clearly more difficult.
Developing a native HarmonyOS app often requires teams to learn new SDKs, rewrite significant portions of code, and test across unfamiliar hardware. For a product development team, in the past, they usually reserve at least two groups of R&D teams for Apple iOS and Android systems, and now with the addition of the Harmony system, it is necessary to add at least one new team not smaller than the size of either of the above groups, which means increasing 30%-50% cost, in terms of time, staffing, and resources.
Maintaining three separate platforms—iOS, Android, and HarmonyOS—can be unsustainable for smaller teams. Many are taking a wait-and-see approach, delaying full adoption until the platform becomes more mature, the toolchain stabilizes, and user adoption justifies the investment.
Cross-platform solutions like Flutter or Webview can provide temporary support, but they come with performance trade-offs. Native development offers better integration but demands more time and technical effort.
Balancing Speed and Sustainability
Huawei's push for HarmonyOS is part of a larger strategy to increase China's technological independence. But for developers, platform decisions are driven more by practical considerations. Without a large and active user base, it becomes harder to justify major engineering investments—especially for startups and smaller firms.
This creates a feedback loop: users hesitate to switch without full app support, and app developers hesitate to invest without guaranteed user demand. Building a healthy app ecosystem requires careful alignment between user expectations, developer capacity, and platform readiness.
While larger companies may eventually build for HarmonyOS, smaller developers often depend on efficiency, stability, and ease of development—areas where HarmonyOS is still evolving.
Developer Responses and Public Expectations
Online, some developers have faced pressure from users eager to see faster HarmonyOS adoption. However, most product teams have chosen to quietly focus on refining their apps rather than rushing unfinished versions to market.
Insiders note that releasing features before they are fully tested could risk not just user dissatisfaction but also long-term reputational damage—both for the apps involved and for HarmonyOS itself.
It's worth noting that certain groups—in the PC and Mobile WeChat there is still a group of users (such as elderly users and users with accessibility needs) is not easy to be seen by the public, although the number of users is not large, but the adaptation of the priority is equally high. Building robust accessibility tools under a new system architecture requires time and care, particularly for features as central as voice control, large text modes, and screen readers.
Looking Ahead: Building a More Inclusive Ecosystem
HarmonyOS is still at an early stage in its evolution. While its long-term goals are ambitious, the short-term reality is that it remains a complex platform to develop for—especially for small- and medium-sized teams.
Whether HarmonyOS can sustain a vibrant, diverse app ecosystem will depend on how quickly Huawei can improve developer tools, stabilize its API environment, and provide meaningful support. Lowering the technical and financial barriers to entry will be crucial if HarmonyOS is to attract the full range of developers—beyond the handful of large tech firms that currently dominate the rollout.
Conclusion
The slower rollout of HarmonyOS-native apps, including WeChat, should not be seen as resistance or lack of commitment. It reflects the very real engineering and ecosystem challenges that come with building a new operating system from the ground up.
As HarmonyOS continues to develop, the success of the platform will hinge on its ability to serve not just national objectives, but the practical needs of the developer community. For now, patience, transparency, and sustained investment in developer experience may be the most effective paths forward.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Unitree Robots Break Into Entertainment, Sports and Industry--Company Enters New Phase of Robotics Integration
Unitree Robots Break Into Entertainment, Sports and Industry--Company Enters New Phase of Robotics Integration

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Unitree Robots Break Into Entertainment, Sports and Industry--Company Enters New Phase of Robotics Integration

HANGZHOU, China, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Unitree Robotics has always been dedicated to creating fun, friendly, and engaging robots for the public, aiming to bring joy and companionship through robotics technology. From a cowboy walking the streets of Austin, Texas, to viral livestreamed boxing tournaments online, Unitree Robotics is pushing the boundaries of robotics in modern life. As a pioneer in civilian robotics, the company is capturing global attention by combining technological precision with cultural relevance—and deploying its creations across entertainment, industry and everyday life. Humanoid robots developed by Unitree have organically become social media sensations, with fans celebrating their diverse outfits, makeup and personalities. Whether striking a pose or dancing in sync, these expressive robots are blurring the lines between human and humanoid in consumer and entertainment spaces. One recent breakout cultural moment highlights this shift. Jake the Rizzbot, a G1 Unitree robot operated by a user, went viral in news stories and on social media, stunning crowds on the streets of Austin with his smooth moves and Gen Z slang—showcasing Unitree robots' capabilities for lifelike interaction. In the world of sports and entertainment, Unitree robots are also stepping into the ring—literally. The company's robot boxing matches showcase the stability and high-performance motion control of humanoid robots in extreme environments. On the industrial front, Unitree's quadruped robotic dogs are already making an impact. With deployments in firefighting, seedling monitoring in agriculture, power inspection, and hazardous terrain navigation, they are proving indispensable in environments where human safety is at risk. From cultural expression to life-saving industrial use cases, Unitree believes that robots can enrich every facet of modern life. The company is leading the charge toward a more interactive, inclusive, and integrated robotic future with robots that entertain, connect, and protect. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Unitree Robotics

LSBF Singapore Campus Contributes Thought Leadership to National Dialogue on Electric Vehicles
LSBF Singapore Campus Contributes Thought Leadership to National Dialogue on Electric Vehicles

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

LSBF Singapore Campus Contributes Thought Leadership to National Dialogue on Electric Vehicles

SINGAPORE, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Roy Yap, Head of the School for Business and Law at LSBF Singapore, was featured on Channel 8 News (3 June 2025) in a prime-time segment discussing the evolving electric vehicle (EV) insurance landscape and what it means for risk profiling, consumer protection, and insurers' responsibilities in a green economy. "The rise of EVs in Singapore is not just about infrastructure or adoption. It raises important questions about how we insure, regulate, and protect consumers in a fast-changing landscape," said Dr. Roy Yap. Dr. Roy Yap explored how the shift toward EVs introduces new considerations in risk assessment, policy coverage, and regulatory safeguards, urging stakeholders to rethink legacy systems in light of technological change. Watch the original feature (Channel 8 News, Chinese with subtitles): If you're exploring angles on green mobility, insurance innovation, or talent readiness, media enquiries and interview requests with Dr. Roy Yap are welcome. About London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) The London School of Business & Finance (LSBF), founded in 2003 and a member of the Global University System (GUS), serves over 25,000 students across more than 40 countries. With campuses in key cities including the UK, Singapore, and Malaysia, LSBF has expanded its international footprint, particularly in Asia. LSBF Singapore campus offers over 100 programmes in business, finance, law, hospitality, and technology, and collaborate with reputable universities to provide internationally recognised qualifications. LSBF holds EduTrust certification, partners with organizations like Grab, Deloitte and ISCA, and is an ACCA Approved Learning Partner. In recognition of its future-focused approach to education, LSBF was honoured with the Singapore Business Review's International Business Award in Education for two consecutive years – 2024 and 2025. These accolades reaffirm LSBF's commitment to delivering quality, industry-aligned education that empowers aspiring professionals globally. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE London School of Business & Finance Singapore Campus Sign in to access your portfolio

Chinese Hackers Exploit Microsoft Flaws, US Nuclear Agency Hit
Chinese Hackers Exploit Microsoft Flaws, US Nuclear Agency Hit

Bloomberg

timean hour ago

  • Bloomberg

Chinese Hackers Exploit Microsoft Flaws, US Nuclear Agency Hit

Microsoft Corp. warned that Chinese state-sponsored hackers are among those exploiting flaws in its SharePoint software to break into institutions globally, with the US agency responsible for designing nuclear weapons now among those breached. In a blog post, the tech giant identified two groups supported by the Chinese government, Linen Typhoon and Violet Typhoon, as leveraging flaws in the document-sharing software that rendered customers who run it on their own networks, as opposed to in the cloud, vulnerable. Another hacking group based in China, which Microsoft calls Storm-2603, also exploited them, according to the blog.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store