In 2019, the U.S. government blacklisted Huawei, and Google was forced to cut ties with the Chinese tech giant. This decision had widespread consequences for Huawei and its loyal user base worldwide.
Key Effects of the Ban on Android Users
1. Loss of Google Mobile Services
Huawei phones lost access to essential Google apps like Gmail, YouTube, and Google Maps. This meant users had to find alternatives, including Huawei’s AppGallery. However, AppGallery lacks the depth and reliability of Google’s Play Store, making it challenging to access popular apps.
2. No More Android Updates
Although Huawei could still use the open-source version of Android (AOSP), it no longer received official software updates from Google. This included critical security updates and performance improvements, raising concerns about device safety and longevity.
3. Global App Compatibility
Apps that depend on Google’s API, like Uber and many banking apps, struggled to work correctly. This put users in a difficult position: either keep their Huawei phones without key functionalities or switch to another smartphone brand that still supports Google.
How Huawei Adapted
In response, Huawei invested in building its own ecosystem to reduce dependence on Google.
1. HarmonyOS: Huawei’s alternative to Android. Although in its early stages, it signals Huawei’s strategy to move away from Google altogether.
2. Huawei Mobile Services (HMS): A replacement for Google Mobile Services, aimed at encouraging developers to integrate their apps within Huawei’s system.
3. AppGallery: Huawei’s app store has grown rapidly, but it still falls short of competing with Google’s Play Store in terms of variety and global app availability.
Long-Term Impact on the Smartphone Market
Before the ban, Huawei was set to become the world’s leading smartphone manufacturer. However, the loss of Google services hampered its growth, especially in markets outside of China. As a result, Huawei’s once-promising rise in Europe, Asia, and beyond faced significant setbacks, allowing other competitors like Samsung and Xiaomi to fill the gap.
Huawei’s decision to double down on its own ecosystem through HarmonyOS and HMS is a bold move, but it remains to be seen whether it can fully recover and adapt to a post-Google world. While the company continues to thrive in China,