Back in March, Huawei Technologies Co. said it had developed its own operating systems (OS) for both smartphones and computers, which can be used on its devices in the event that current systems provided by U.S. software from Microsoft and Google are no longer available. The question now is, could this be the time to unravel its new operating system considering the reported developments?
Huawei was already facing serious trouble following the Trump administration’s de facto ban, but it might get considerably worse.
Reuters sources claim Google has suspended transactions with Huawei that require transferring proprietary hardware and software, hobbling much of its smartphone business outside of China.
It “immediately” loses access to future OS updates beyond the Android Open Source Project, according to the insider, and upcoming phones would have to go without official apps like the Google Play Store and Gmail.
The company is still “internally” discussing which services are going away, the source said. Google would cut off all tech support and collaboration for Android and services, however.
If it’s accurate, the suspension would represent a serious blow to Huawei’s mobile efforts.
Although this shouldn’t dent the company’s Chinese business much (it can’t use Google apps in the country), it depends on access to Google apps to remain competitive with devices like the P30 Pro.
So long as the US blacklisting persists, Huawei might have to rely on third-party apps and services just to offer fully functional handsets — and there’s no guarantee customers will be receptive to the change.
