The Impact of Google Blocking Huawei's Android Updates and the Future for Huawei Smartphones

The recent reports suggest that Google may stop providing Huawei smartphones with Android updates, potentially impacting their functionality and security. This development comes in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions and the broader issue of national security concerns regarding technology from certain countries. This article explores the implications of this situation for Huawei and the wider smartphone market.

Background and Context

For years, Huawei has developed its own systems, specifically Huawei Harmony OS, which functions similarly to Google Android AOSP. Although this OS is not officially Google Android, it shares a high degree of similarity in its source code. This means that Huawei can essentially stay updated with the latest Android versions by aligning with the AOSP release schedule.

US Government’s Stated Capabilities

According to the US Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, the US government has the capability to strike a wide range of devices and systems. Such capabilities include:

Rendering billions of computers and devices with US software, apps, and screens inoperable.Turning off the engines of airplanes, including fighter jets, in billions of Apple US smart bombs and missiles that have been purchased by other countries.

While these statements serve as a stark reminder of the potential threats, they also provide a context for the measures taken by Huawei to avoid such vulnerabilities.

Impact on Huawei if it Can't Use Android Updates

Some questions have arisen about what might happen if Huawei can’t receive Android updates. For instance, will it find an alternative or will the company’s devices simply become more vulnerable to malware and fail to function properly?

One expert suggests that Huawei can take several months to adopt the updated version of Android before making any changes to its operating system. However, another view is that without direct access to security updates, Huawei smartphones will be more prone to vulnerabilities and security threats, potentially rendering them inoperable.

Strategies and Future Prospects for Huawei

Huawei faces several strategic decisions in response to this situation. First, the company can continue to operate within the smartphone sector, developing its own operating system, specifically Huawei Harmony OS. Huawei has been working on this for over seven years and may now push forward with this OS, aiming to improve the performance and security of its devices.

Additionally, Huawei will need to develop its own version of the Google Play Store, which will be a significant undertaking. This will involve attracting developers to load their apps on the Huawei app store, which may require offering better terms to make the move worthwhile.

Developing an OS that is fully independent but can still run Android-based apps will be challenging, especially with concerns over security and data privacy. Nonetheless, Huawei, with its significant resources and technological expertise, could be well-equipped to handle this task.

Conclusion

The situation facing Huawei regarding Android updates highlights the broader geopolitical and technological challenges in the current global landscape. As Huawei navigates these changes, the development of a more secure and independent operating system becomes a crucial step. This development could not only secure Huawei’s future in the smartphone market but also bring about significant changes in the landscape of mobile operating systems.