Huawei Technologies has made headlines yet again, this time with the launch of its highly anticipated Mate 70 smartphone series. Released during a grand event at the company's headquarters in Shenzhen, this new series is not just another smartphone; it marks Huawei's bold step toward technological independence, showcasing its self-developed operating system, HarmonyOS NEXT. This move is particularly significant as Huawei strives to carve out its niche amid persistent US sanctions and declining competition from global tech giants.
The Mate 70 series, which includes models such as the Mate 70, Mate 70 Pro, Mate 70 Pro+, and Mate 70 RS, is touted as the "most powerful Mate phone ever," according to Richard Yu, chairman of Huawei's consumer business group. During the launch, he emphasized its features, including an improved processor and the introduction of the first satellite paging system on a mainstream smartphone. These enhancements reportedly boost performance by 40% when compared to previous models. Priced starting at 5,499 yuan (approximately $758), this series stands competitively against Apple's base iPhone 16 model, which retails for 5,999 yuan in China.
What sets this launch apart is HarmonyOS NEXT, which signifies a complete departure from Android's codebase. Previously, Huawei's HarmonyOS had maintained compatibility with Android applications. Now, the new operating system will require developers to overhaul their apps for full compatibility with this Android-free ecosystem. Huawei has announced it secured over 15,000 applications for its new operating system and aims to reach 100,000 applications within months, a feat considered ambitious. The choice between HarmonyOS 4.3 (which retains Android compatibility) and the new HarmonyOS NEXT is expected to appease users during the transition period.
According to analysts, this release feels like both innovation and strategy at play. While many Chinese tech firms rally behind Huawei, there's skepticism about whether HarmonyOS NEXT can attract developers globally, especially considering the high costs associated with adapting foreign apps to comply with the new ecosystem. Estimates suggest costs could reach about $275,500 per app to customize existing software for HarmonyOS, which suggests Huawei faces hurdles as it builds its ecosystem from scratch.
Despite these challenges, Huawei's performance metrics indicate resilience. Following the Mate 60 series launch last year, which was seen as the company’s comeback, Huawei has reportedly ranked as China’s second-largest smartphone vendor as of Q3 2024, showing deliveries exceeding 10 million units—a stark rise from only 4.1 million units shipped during Q2 2022. Industry analysts anticipate this trend will continue with shipments of the Mate 70 series projected to surpass 10 million units.
At the same time, geopolitical tensions have fueled Huawei's push for self-reliance. Since the US initiated sanctions affecting the supply chains for technology and components, Huawei’s focus has shifted to homegrown solutions. The Mate 70 series encapsulates this strategy. With rising patriotic sentiments within China, consumers have begun to favor products from local brands over foreign competitors, which may bode well for Huawei amid the high-profile tech rivalry with the West.
Yu described the Mate 70 series as more than just smartphones—it’s a step toward ensuring Huawei's longevity and relevance. He stated, "We must innovate on our own and cannot let ourselves be disrupted by foreign countries." This sentiment resonates deeply with many of Huawei's users, some of whom attended the product launch. A 28-year-old consumer, switching from Apple to Huawei, highlighted the need to support domestic tech, reflecting the broader sentiment of national pride among consumers.
The technological advancements showcased in the Mate 70 devices come at a time when US chip restrictions threaten to add more Chinese companies to its blacklist. Reports indicate these new measures could be put forth by the US government, adding urgency to Huawei's mission of establishing self-sufficiency. The company is reportedly maintaining some options open for Android compatibility even as it transitions to full independence with HarmonyOS NEXT. This suggests Huawei acknowledges it may need to gradually prepare its ecosystem to support users during this transition, offering Android compatibility as insurance against potential upheavals.
From the advancements found within the Mate 70 to the quiet whispers of competition echoing through China's massive smartphone market, all eyes will remain focused on Huawei. The stakes are high, and the industry's reaction will undoubtedly shape the future of Huawei and its HarmonyOS ecosystem. With industry expectations riding on these new products, Huawei is evidently aware of the potential pitfalls. Analysts have noted, “This generation of products cannot afford to miss the mark because everyone has high expectations for them.”
Overall, Huawei's Mate 70 series launch sparks discussions on technology independence, the future of mobile operating systems, and the global smartphone market's evolution amid regional tensions. With over three million pre-orders already logged, Huawei seems poised to make its mark as it transforms potential crises from geopolitical challenges and economic pressures from rivals—into opportunities. Innovation may well prove to be Huawei's saving grace as it reinvents itself and the software it produces for consumers worldwide.
