Huawei formally unveils HarmonyOS 6
Shenzhen, China – Huawei has once again captured the spotlight in the tech world with the launch of its latest operating system, HarmonyOS 6, at the 2025 Huawei Developer Conference (HDC). This new version not only delivers performance upgrades but also introduces a more intelligent system powered by deeper artificial intelligence (AI) integration through a significantly enhanced digital assistant, XiaoYi.
This release marks a new phase in Huawei’s broader strategy to build a fully independent digital ecosystem, free from reliance on Android.
HarmonyOS Evolution: More Than Just an Android Alternative
As part of the HarmonyOS Next range, HarmonyOS 6 was completely redesigned. Unlike previous versions, this system no longer uses Android as its base, making it a truly original Huawei OS. With this approach, Huawei aims to create a faster, more secure, and deeply integrated ecosystem across its product range—from smartphones and tablets to IoT devices.
Key Features of HarmonyOS 6
Here are the major upgrades brought by HarmonyOS 6:
1. Smarter XiaoYi Assistant with HMAF
Huawei’s digital assistant XiaoYi (known as Celia internationally) now integrates the Harmony Multi-Agent Framework (HMAF). This technology enables XiaoYi to perform complex tasks like filling spreadsheets, editing content, or conducting screen-based searches via simple voice commands.
XiaoYi no longer just reacts to commands—it now understands user context in real time, functioning more like a true AI agent straight out of science fiction.
2. Smarter Cross-Device Collaboration
The Tap-to-Share and Touch and Pay features have been upgraded, allowing users to instantly share files between Huawei devices with a single tap. Now, files can even be sent to multiple users simultaneously—ideal for team collaboration or presentations.
HarmonyOS 6 also supports multi-user collaboration, enabling multiple people to work on a single document simultaneously across various Huawei devices, without needing third-party apps.
3. Star Shield Security System
Huawei presents Star Shield, a novel security architecture that uses camera data, GPS, and biometric technology to identify questionable activity. With Star Shield, HarmonyOS 6 can identify and block irregular permission requests from third-party apps, offering enhanced data and privacy protection.
4. AI Integration and CloudMatrix 384
The system is also supported by CloudMatrix 384, a new AI infrastructure that boosts cloud computing performance for faster and more accurate digital assistant responses. Huawei claims this backend system allows HarmonyOS 6 to process user commands more efficiently than ever before.
Device Support and Availability
HarmonyOS 6 is currently available in a beta version for developers, supported on the following devices:
- Huawei Mate 70 & Mate 70 Pro
- Huawei Mate 60 & Mate 60 Pro
- Huawei Mate X5 (foldable)
- Huawei MatePad Pro 11” (2024)
- Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2” (2025)
The second half of 2025, when the next generation Huawei Mate lineup is introduced, is when the public release is planned to take place.
A Strategic Move Toward a Self-Reliant Ecosystem
Beyond the technology, HarmonyOS 6 reflects Huawei’s long-term ambition to become self-reliant in the face of U.S. trade restrictions. Since being placed on the U.S. Entity List: Huawei has made significant efforts to develop its own operating system, cloud services, and chips (Kirin).
With HarmonyOS 6, Huawei isn’t just offering an Android replacement—it’s building a new digital future that is faster, safer, and more unified under one brand. In China alone, millions of users have already adopted HarmonyOS, and Huawei aims to reach over 100,000 native apps in the coming years.
Conclusion
HarmonyOS 6 marks a significant advancement for both Huawei and the worldwide software sector. Through advanced AI integration, seamless cross-device collaboration, and a centralized security system, the OS proves that Huawei is not only surviving but thriving—paving the way for a smarter and more independent tech future.
With its comprehensive features and strategic direction, HarmonyOS 6 isn’t just a system update—it’s a bold statement that the future of mobile technology doesn’t have to depend solely on Android or iOS.
