Huawei’s HarmonyOS NEXT operating system (which powers the Mate 70 series) has been creating a buzz recently for its bold step away from Android. As the first version of Huawei’s OS to not rely on Android AOSP (Android Open Source Project), many users assumed it would be limited to the native HarmonyOS apps available in Huawei’s AppGallery.
This was seen as a potential downside since Huawei‘s app store doesn’t offer as vast a selection as Google’s Play Store. However, new developments reveal a surprising twist—HarmonyOS NEXT devices can indeed run Android apps, and here’s how.
How HarmonyOS NEXT runs Android apps:
Although HarmonyOS NEXT does not use any Android code, instead relying on the Harmony kernel, it still manages to run Android apps. A beta tester recently shared on Reddit that an Android emulator called “EasyAbroad” can be found on Huawei’s AppGallery. This emulator was designed specifically for Huawei users working outside of China, who need access to Google Mobile Services (GMS) to use popular Android apps like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Google Maps, and more.
With the “EasyAbroad” tool, users can install these Android apps directly onto their HarmonyOS NEXT device, though with some limitations. The Android apps are contained within a separate app store that appears as a folder on the home screen. While users can run these apps from within the folder, they cannot place them as regular icons on their main screen. Additionally, users may encounter issues with receiving notifications from those Android apps, which could affect the overall experience.
The key behind this functionality is microG, a free, open-source replacement for Google Play Services, which allows Android apps to function without requiring a Google account or direct connection to Google’s servers. This solution ensures that most Android apps run smoothly, even without access to the full Google ecosystem.
This development is significant for Huawei users, as it provides a workaround for the limited app ecosystem available on HarmonyOS NEXT. While Huawei’s AppGallery is growing, it still lacks the extensive range of apps found on Google’s Play Store. The ability to run Android apps means that users can enjoy the best of both worlds: the exclusive features of HarmonyOS, combined with the ability to emulate Android apps that are not on Huawei’s platform yet.
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