Google confirmed yesterday that the upcoming Huawei phones won’t be featuring Google apps and services. The search engine giant took this decision after Huawei was recently added by the US Commerce Department to the list of companies that are banned from trading. Fresh information reveals that the US has delayed the ban by 90 days starting today allowing Android OS updates to be certified on existing Huawei and Honor phones.
According to Reuters, during the temporary license period of 90 days, Huawei can buy components made by the US companies in a bid to maintain existing networks and also for delivering software updates for existing Huawei devices. However, the Chinese firm is restricted from placing new orders for parts and components from the US firms to build new devices without seeking license approvals that are most likely to be denied.
For telecommunications providers that depend on Huawei equipment, the delay in ban will provide them with time for making other arrangements. The US Commerce Department said that it will review whether to delay the ban beyond 90 days.
During the 90 days, Huawei will be able to certify software updates with Google for currently available smartphones and tablets. Huawei’s sub-brand Honor will be launching the Honor 20 and Honor 20 Pro flagship phones today through an unveil event in London. The owners of the Honor 20 duo and the Mate X foldable smartphone will be able to use Google services since they have been already certified by it. However, the future remains bleak for devices releasing later this year.
Huawei and Honor will be launching new flagship phones in the second half of the year. Hopefully, Huawei and China can come to an agreement with the US government soon so that the upcoming devices from the Chinese firm continue to feature Google apps and services.
Huawei is the world’s largest telecommunications equipment maker and it has a huge advantage over its competitors in the upcoming 5G mobile technology. However, US intelligence considers Huawei a national security threat and does not want US firms to buy or sell to the Chinese firm without seeking approval from the government. Companies like Qualcomm, Broadcom, Intel, Xilinx and more have reportedly stopped supplying components and services to Huawei. A recent report had claimed that in preparations to trade war uncertainties, Huawei has already stockpiled crucial components for up to 12 months.
(Source)
