HarmonyOS NEXT explained

HarmonyOS NEXT is a proprietary distributed operating system and a major iteration of HarmonyOS, developed by Huawei to support only HarmonyOS native apps. The operating system is primarily aimed at software and hardware developers that deal directly with Huawei. It does not include Android's AOSP core and is incompatible with Android applications.^{[5] [6]}

While discarding the common Unix-like Linux kernel, HarmonyOS NEXT also replaces the previous multikernel system with its own HarmonyOS microkernel.^[7] The rich execution environment (REE) version of HarmonyOS microkernel is placed at its core with a single framework as kernel mode. The new kernel architecture, built on OpenHarmony and its kernel abstraction layer, serves as user mode. The OS shares lineage with the lightweight LiteOS real-time operating system for resource-constrained devices like smart wearables and IoT products.^[8]

History

On August 4, 2023, at Huawei Developers Conference 2023 (HDC), Huawei officially announced HarmonyOS NEXT, the next version of HarmonyOS, supporting only native APP apps via Ark Compiler and native APIs in HarmonyOS SDK.^[9]

The kernel of HarmonyOS NEXT does not include the compatibility layer of AOSP framework with Android libraries from EMUI in the user space and cannot run Android apk apps natively, as is the case with the dual framework HarmonyOS.^{[10] [11]}

The first internal preview version of the system was revealed on August 4, 2023, and the first preview version was released to registered public developers on January 18, 2024.^[12] The devices tested on the developer preview version of the system were the Mate 60, Mate 60 Pro, and Mate X5 phones in the first batch.^[13]

On October 22, 2024, HarmonyOS 5.0.0 was officially launched as HarmonyOS NEXT 5 brand,^{[14] [15]} after the public beta released on October 8, 2024.^[16]

Software version history

See also: HarmonyOS version history.

HarmonyOS Galaxy Edition (Star River) [5.0.0] (API version 12)

August 4, 2023 (API 9) Developer Preview 1 for HarmonyOS NEXT internal cooperative developers, for native software development. January 2024 Developer Preview 1 Beta for public registered developers (API 10), Developer Preview 2 (API 11–12), Q2 Beta (API 12), and Commercial (API 12) stable builds:

At the HarmonyOS Developer event in China, Huawei announced that the developer preview version of Harmony Next, the third generation of HarmonyOS operating system based on OpenHarmony L0-L2 branch source code, was open for application development, alongside the release of the beta version to enterprise developers on January 18, 2024. The beta version of HarmonyOS Next will be launched in Q2 of 2024 to all unregistered public developers, while a commercial version on specific devices will be released to all users in Q4 of 2024.

Software architecture and framework features

• Native refinement of the system, application, fluency, security, intelligence, and native interconnection.
• Full-stack, self-developed HarmonyOS NEXT core operating system integrated that includes:
  • Native AI LLM model: PanGu-Σ
  • Native Generative AI framework: MindSpore
  • Native Integrated Development Environment: DevEco Studio IDE and DevEco Testing
  • Native Design system: HarmonyOS Design
  • Native Programming framework: ArkUI / ArkUI-X (cross-platform)
  • Native Compiler & Runtime: Ark Compiler, BiSheng Compiler and Ark Runtime
  • Native File system: EROFS/HMDFS distributed file system
• Native in-house Cangjie programming language alongside ArkTS as primary programming languages support for native HarmonyOS system and kernel
• AOSP system and Linux kernel of EMUI system userland on System Service Layer removed from native compatibility on phones and tablets alongside some other devices via native OpenHarmony user mode.
• Primary HarmonyOS native app file package, APP for HarmonyOS apps only
• Native Package management subsystem^[17]
• Refined and primary native in-house Ark Engine multimedia API graphics stack system that comes with ArkGraphics 2D and ArkGraphics 3D with Cangjie support across all devices with developer access^[18]
• Linux and LiteOS RTOS base on wearables, phones, tablets on System Service Layer replaced with self-developed REE version of HarmonyOS kernel, Microkernel architecture.^[19]
• API 10, 11 features bundled
• New API 12 features
• HarmonyOS NEXT SDK with previous classic HarmonyOS SDK API levels, alongside full standard OpenHarmony SDK development kit access support conglomerated in a complete and comprehensive in-house HarmonyOS SDK API 12, in a form of full development kit.
• PC mode when keyboard used on MatePads and phone docked
• Native PC support
• Native HarmonyOS API apps adapted to PC support
• Native Generative Edge AI computing API system features for Edge Computing
• Native Generative AI and Multimodal learning LLM Voice Assistant Celia/XiaoYi [China & Global] - Powered by Huawei Pangu AI model, supports Chinese and English with Celia Proactive Suggestions and Developers can add Celia Voice services to their atomic services improvements and applications.
• Native device-side AI support for training interface and ArkTS interface for NNRt (Neural Network Runtime) backend configurations via MindSpore framework
• OpenHarmony versioning core baseline of HarmonyOS NEXT system versioning underlining the HarmonyOS operating system baseline versioning
• OpenHarmony user mode contains the kernel abstract layer that wraps the Linux syscall compatible layer via POSIX compatible, third-party musl from LiteOS lineage for HarmonyOS NEXT system kernel, in-house Microkernel.
• OpenHarmony Device Connector (HDC) native support, a command line tool for connecting and debugging HarmonyOS devices as well as OpenHarmony devices in interoperability, including self debugging on PC-side with native toolchain system. Replaces Android Debug Bridge on classic dual-framework OpenHarmony L3-L5 based EMUI and HarmonyOS AOSP userland base.^[20]
• Exclusive to in-house Kirin and HiSilicon chips optimisation and adaptation alongside selected Snapdragon legacy chips
• New visual graphical interfaces based on Neumorphism and Glassmorphism design language trend, visual elements on HarmonyOS Design language system for Spatial computing
• New Control Panel interface.
• New and refined notification and lockscreen interface.
• New volume control design.
• New native File and Photos picker app and interface.
• New bundled HarmonyOS native system apps.
• Native HarmonyOS settings app and OTA system
• Modified native Task Switcher interface for PC, phones, tablets and foldables
• Native smart app background and foreground management system
• Native developer and app kits support
• ArkData powered by GaussDB for ArkTS HarmonyOS native development
• New native AppGallery app designed for installation of native HarmonyOS apps only.
• WebView component based on the ArkWeb software engine.
• Next generation NearLink 2.0 support
• Native HMS Core integration
• New Permission application system with Capability-based security-like REE kernel features, alongside native OpenHarmony-based Access token manager^[21] implements unified app permission management on Core File Kit, departure from previous versions of HarmonyOS with AOSP framework^[22]
• Advanced native multitasking and Task switching system
• Native Push API system
• Continuity of applications between devices via native Distributed Package Management Service (DBMS) from Distribution Service Kit API.^[23]
• Spatial computing support^[24]
• Native Spatial Audio support in Audio Kit API^[25]
• Harmony Intelligence backend stack embedded across the OS, with PanGu 5.0 LLM with Embedded variant, MindSpore AI framework with Neural Network Runtime API kit with smarter Celia virtual assistant.^[26]
• AI body Feed upgrade of native Celia virtual assistant with analyzing documents, ask or summarizing. Also understand "this" and "that" according to context and information on the device. Also, AI voice fix for hearing aid and see world accessibilities in every scenario with AppGallery third party native full fledged apps and Meta enabled mini apps in SDK, API support, images, wallpapers for home and lockscreens on system etc.
• New Celia UI call from, holding gesture-based navigation bar to enlarge. Drag information into clipboard with text, photo, docs to Celia navigation bar for analyzing.
• Full scenario Intelligence OS
• Security accessible
• Star Shield security architecture
• Collaboration between apps with the New distributed soft bus, App hop, Cross devices gallery
• New upgraded Live Window with Lockscreen enhancements for native HarmonyOS apps integration, like delivery info, maps integrated with native Petal Maps APIs and third party mapping APIs technologies etc.
• Native Petal Maps includes Sequential Planning with Map Mode, Semi Modal
• Upgraded Desktop Mode for MatePad tablets and new Desktop PC systems for Matebook and MateStation PCs
• New split-screen interface
• New boot animation screen of HarmonyOS with OpenHarmony compatibility label of "Huawei" boot image
• Enterprise intelligent terminal management support
• New camera interface
• 30% performance boosts, 10.7% native custom HarmonyOS kernel performance boost compared former Linux kernel
• OpenHarmony compatibility test for existing and new devices
• 5.5G connectivity support with existing 5G, 4G in native telephony stack of OpenHarmony-based HarmonyOS NEXT
• Bluetooth BLE 6.0 support
• China local initial launch^[27]

HarmonyOS NEXT base compiled versions of its software versions in software development since August 4, 2023.

HarmonyOS NEXT releases!System version!!OS version!!Information!!Release date

HarmonyOS NEXT (3.1) Developer Preview 1 [Internal Beta]	OpenHarmony 3.2	HarmonyOS NEXT Developer Preview version equipped with latest base technology, open capabilities, and development kits. The new version comes with HarmonyOS kernel (Microkernel). Huawei Ark graphics engine added. Phones and tablets are tested. Native HMS Core built inside. Internally released developer only software on OpenHarmony base development stack with API 9.[28]	August 4, 2023
HarmonyOS NEXT (4.0) Developer Preview 1 [Internal Beta]	OpenHarmony 4.0	New graphical shells, including PC and tablet PC mode support with API 10.[29]	October 26, 2023
HarmonyOS NEXT (4.1/4.1.1 - Canary Build) Developer Preview 1 [External Beta]	OpenHarmony 4.1	A large number of ArkTS APIs have been added, and the scope of distributed hardware support has been expanded. Improved new graphical shells. PC APIs added.[30] HarmonyOS Kernel (Microkernel) retrofitted on Canary1 builds with API 11.	January 18, 2024
2.0.0.59 (SP3DEVCC00E59R4P1log - Canary Build 2)	OpenHarmony 4.1 beta 1	HarmonyOS NEXT Developer Preview 1 Beta rolled out on registered developers' handsets, Huawei Mate 60 Pro and other devices.	February 29, 2024
2.0.0.66 (SP3DEVCC00E59R4P1log - Canary Build 2)	OpenHarmony 4.1	External preview beta expansion of Developer Preview 2 rolled out on more registered developers' handsets with latest pre-release canary build.	April 2, 2024
3.0.0.22(Canary3)	OpenHarmony 5.0 beta 1	External beta expansion of Developer Beta 1 rolled out on more registered developers' handsets with latest pre-release developer Beta build with API 12.[31]	May 25, 2024
NEXT.0.026(SP6DEVC00E29R4P6log) Developer Beta 1[32]	5.0.0.25(Beta1)	HarmonyOS NEXT Developer Beta 1 with API 12, "Full scenario" intelligence OS with Harmony Intelligence rolled out publicly to all registered developers June 21, 2024 at HDC 2024 annual event in China.[33] [34] [35]	June 21, 2024
NEXT.0.0.31 (SPXXXXXXXX) Developer Beta 2[36]	5.0.0.33(Beta2)	HarmonyOS NEXT Developer Beta 2, expansion.[37]	July 19, 2024
NEXT.0.0.35(SPXXXXXXXX) Developer Beta 3[38]	OpenHarmony 5.0 beta 3	HarmonyOS NEXT Developer Beta 3 expansion.[39]	August 2, 2024
NEXT.0.0.36(SP6DEVC00E38R10P8) - Developer Beta 3	OpenHarmony 5.0 beta 3	HarmonyOS NEXT Developer Beta 3 bug fixes and third developer beta recruitment extends.	August 7, 2024[40]
NEXT.0.0.60(SP12DEVC00E6QR4P9)  - Developer Beta 5	OpenHarmony 5.0 beta 5	HarmonyOS NEXT Developer Beta 5 bug fixes and the final fourth developer beta recruitment extended.	August 21, 2024
NEXT.0.0.65(SP3C00E65R1P6)  - Beta 1 (Developer Beta 6)[41]	5.0.0.60(Beta7 API 12 release)	HarmonyOS NEXT beta recruitment for developers and early adopters expanded to more devices. First rolled out on three main devices for developer testing with API 12 transitioning with Developer Beta 6.	August 30, 2024[42]
NEXT.0.0.65(SP3C786E65R4P9)  - Beta 1	5.0.0.65(Beta8 API 12 release)	HarmonyOS NEXT beta recruitment for developers and early adopters expanded to more devices. First rolled out on three main devices for developer testing with API 12, phased out Developer Beta cycles.	September 5, 2024
NEXT.0.0.66(SP6C00E66R5P9) - Beta 1	5.0.0.66(API 12 release)	September 12 update released a patch version of the NEXT Beta 1 version[43]	September 12, 2024
NEXT.0.0.68 (SP7C00E68R4P9log) - Beta 1	5.0.0.68(API 12 release)	September 21 update released a patch version of the NEXT Beta 1 (internal beta) version	September 21, 2024
NEXT.0.0.70 (SP3C00E70R4P14) - Beta 1	5.0.0.70 (API 12 Release)	September 27 update released a patch version of the NEXT Beta 1 (internal beta) version with enhancements, fixes ahead of consumer beta October 8 build for existing internal beta users.[44]	September 27, 2024
NEXT.0.0.71(SP6C00E71R1P13) - Beta 1	5.0.0.71 (API 12 Release)	October 7 update released a patch version of the NEXT Beta 1 (beta) version with enhancements, fixes ahead of consumer beta October 8 launch for existing internal beta users and joining users via myHuawei app.[45]	October 7, 2024
NEXT.0.0.71(SP6C00E71R1P13) - Beta 1/Release [46]	5.0.0.71 (API 12 Release)	HarmonyOS NEXT official consumer beta release for expanded models for single frame HarmonyOS 5.0 version with API 12. Starting with existing registered internal beta users of three models, Mate 60, Mate X5 and MatePad Pro 13.2 users.	October 8, 2024[47]
NEXT.0.0.71(SP10C00E71R4P17) - Beta 2/Release	5.0.0.71 (API 12 Release)	HarmonyOS Next update with exFAT support and charging improvements, alongside other fixes.[48]	October 13, 2024
NEXT.0.0.72 - Release	5.0.0.71 (API 12 Release)	Patch of changes introduced in the system ROM version updated on October 18th such as security control offset property setting and Media Library Kit improvements.[49]	October 18, 2024
NEXT.0.0.72(SP10C00E72R4P17)	5.0.0.71 (API 12 Release)	Added features of one click lock screen, service cards and control panel enhancements.[50]	October 20, 2024
5.0.0.102(SP3C00E73R4P17)	5.0.0.102 (API 12 Release)	HarmonyOS NEXT 5 public beta rollouts commences.	October 22, 2024
5.0.0.102(SP3C00E73R4P17) - Release	5.0.0.102 (API 12 Release)	Release build launch	October 23, 2024
5.0.0.103 - Release (Beta)	5.0.0.103 (API 12 Release)	HarmonyOS NEXT 5 branded "public beta" release as HarmonyOS 5.0.0. Move to commercialisation for single-frame builds. Updated developer tools and documentations.[51]	October 23, 2024
5.0.0.107 SP8	5.0 (API 12 Release)	Commercialisation of "HarmonyOS NEXT"; retrofitting on to the Galaxy Edition of the "HarmonyOS 5" name; HarmonyOS 5.0.1 installed on supported Huawei consumer flagship-devices on 26 November 2024; end of beta stage and move to "stable" for Chinese developers with API 12.[52] [53] [54]	November 19, 2024

See also

• HarmonyOS
• OpenHarmony
• EulerOS
• LiteOS
• DevEco Studio

External links

• Official website

Notes and References

1. Web site: Version overview . HarmonyOS Developer . Huawei . 23 October 2024.
2. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . Huawei begins Cangjie programming language beta recruitment . HC Newsroom . 21 June 2024 . 8 July 2024.
3. Web site: HMOS Architecture . Medium . 5 April 2021 . Application Library Engineering Group . April 5, 2021.
4. Web site: OSDI '24 - Microkernel Goes General: Performance and Compatibility in the HongMeng Production... . YouTube . 12 September 2024 . USENIX . 26 October 2024.
5. Web site: Huawei reveals HarmonyOS NEXT will be based on Harmony Kernel . 2024-02-01.
6. Web site: Huawei's HarmonyOS Next is set to rival iOS and Android in China . 2024-07-10 . Nikkei Asia . en-GB.
7. Web site: Huawei launches beta of its non-Android phone operating system, HarmonyOS Next . 2024-11-18 . www.hardwarezone.com.sg . en.
8. Web site: Miller . James . 2024-01-22 . HarmonyOS NEXT Kernel: Can Huawei's New Engine Outclass the Mighty Linux? . 2024-02-01 . en-US.
9. Web site: Amit . 2023-09-25 . Huawei released HarmonyOS NEXT . 2023-09-26 . HU . en-US.
10. Web site: Cañete . Patrick . 2023-08-10 . HarmonyOS NEXT is a standalone HUAWEI OS without Android apps . 2023-08-11 . NoypiGeeks . en-US.
11. Web site: Abdullah . 2024-01-19 . HarmonyOS NEXT introduced without a single line of Android code . 2024-01-23 . Gizchina.com . en-US.
12. Web site: HarmonyOS NEXT is a pure HarmonyOS without Android apps and future of Huawei ecosystem . 2024-02-01 . Huawei Community . en-ZA.
13. Web site: Emiko . Matsui . Here are the HarmonyOS NEXT first developer beta batch devices . 20 January 2024 . HC Newsroom . 15 January 2024 .
14. Web site: Li . Deng . 2024-10-22 . Huawei launched HarmonyOS NEXT, its native mobile operating system . 2024-10-23 . Huawei Central . en-US.
15. Web site: 孙汝 . Huawei launches homegrown HarmonyOS Next, rivaling Android and iOS . 2024-10-23 . www.chinadaily.com.cn.
16. Web site: Huawei launches HarmonyOS NEXT public beta: A game-changer for China's OS sovereignty. digitimes.com . 8 October 2024. 2024-10-11 .
17. Web site: Package management subsystem . Gitee . OpenAtom OpenHarmony . 13 April 2024.
18. Web site: ArkGraphics 2D简介 . OpenAtom OpenHarmony . 14 April 2024.
19. Web site: Lai . Richard . Huawei reveals HarmonyOS, its alternative to Android . Engadaget . 9 August 2019 . Engadget . 2 March 2024.
20. Web site: OpenHarmony/developtools_hdc . 2024-04-13 . Gitee . zh-CN.
21. Web site: ATM . Gitee . OpenAtom OpenHarmony . 13 March 2024.
22. Web site: OpenAtom OpenHarmony . 2024-04-14 . docs.openharmony.cn.
23. Web site: Distributed Package Management Service (DBMS) . Gitee . OpenAtom OpenHarmony . 13 April 2024.
24. Web site: Miao . Hao . Huawei has released HarmonyOS NEXT HarmonyOS Galaxy Edition, and the developer preview version is open for application . IT Home . 20 January 2024.
25. Web site: Spatial audio . OpenAtom OpenHarmony . 14 April 2024.
26. Web site: Amit . 2024-06-21 . Huawei releases Harmony Intelligence powered with AI capabilities . 2024-06-25 . HU . en-US.
27. Web site: Sohail . Omar . 2024-06-17 . Huawei's HarmonyOS NEXT Rumored To Remove All Source Code That Is In Any Way Linked To The U.S., Including Linux And Android . 2024-06-25 . Wccftech . en-US.
28. Web site: Bhati . Kamlesh . HarmonyOS NEXT Hands-on Experience: Pure HarmonyOS Without AOSP . Sparrownews.com . 7 August 2023 . 29 January 2024.
29. Web site: Sarkar . Amy . HarmonyOS NEXT and HarmonyOS PC to shape a new direction for Huawei . HC Newsroom . January 2024 . 29 January 2024.
30. Web site: Huawei releases preview version of updated HarmonyOS Next as it accelerates shift away from Android . Yahoo News . 19 January 2024 . South China Morning Post . 29 January 2024.
31. Web site: 博主展示鸿蒙 HarmonyOS NEXT 系统截图，6 月 21 日华为开发者大会 HDC.2024 正式揭晓 - IT之家 . 2024-05-27 . www.ithome.com.
32. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . 2024-06-21 . Huawei officially launches HarmonyOS NEXT Beta . 2024-06-21 . Huawei Central . en-US.
33. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . Huawei to launch HarmonyOS NEXT beta at HDC 2024 event in June . HC Newsroom . 11 April 2024 . 11 April 2024.
34. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . 2024-04-25 . Huawei schedules HDC 2024 event for June 21, early bird tickets on sale . 2024-04-29 . Huawei Central . en-US.
35. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . 2024-07-12 . HarmonyOS NEXT second phase developer beta devices [List] ]. 2024-08-03 . Huawei Central . en-US.
36. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . 2024-06-21 . Huawei officially launches HarmonyOS NEXT Beta . 2024-06-21 . Huawei Central . en-US.
37. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . 2024-07-22 . HarmonyOS NEXT Developer Beta 2 update is out, check the changelog here . 2024-08-03 . Huawei Central . en-US.
38. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . 2024-06-21 . Huawei officially launches HarmonyOS NEXT Beta . 2024-06-21 . Huawei Central . en-US.
39. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . 2024-08-01 . Huawei opens HarmonyOS NEXT third phase developer beta program . 2024-08-03 . Huawei Central . en-US.
40. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . 2024-08-08 . HarmonyOS NEXT third developer beta recruitment extends to August 14 . 2024-08-08 . Huawei Central . en-US.
41. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . 2024-08-27 . HarmonyOS NEXT developer beta program opens for smartphone users . 2024-08-30 . Huawei Central . en-US.
42. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . 2024-08-27 . HarmonyOS NEXT beta program for early adopters: Devices [List] ]. 2024-08-30 . Huawei Central . en-US.
43. Web site: 12 September 2024 . Application Development Guide - HarmonyOS NEXT Beta 1 . 19 September 2024 . Huawei Developers.
44. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . 2024-09-30 . HarmonyOS NEXT beta already started to rollout for some users with new features . 2024-10-01 . Huawei Central . en-US.
45. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . HarmonyOS NEXT.0.0.71 is out, suspected to be a public beta version . HC Newsroom . 7 October 2024 . 7 October 2024.
46. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . 2024-06-21 . Huawei confirms HarmonyOS NEXT upgrade plan: Devices and Rollout Time . 2024-06-21 . Huawei Central . en-US.
47. Web site: Benjamin . 2024-09-24 . HarmonyOS Next public testing will be available on October 8th via myHuawei . 2024-10-01 . HarmonyOSHub . en-GB.
48. Web site: Sarkar . Amy . 2024-10-13 . New HarmonyOS NEXT adds exFAT support and charging improvements . 2024-10-13 . Huawei Central . en-US.
49. Web site: Version overview . HarmonyOS Developer . Huawei . 18 October 2024.
50. Web site: Benjamin . 2024-10-20 . Huawei HarmonyOS has launched HarmonyOS NEXT.0.0.72, adding features such as one-click lock screen service cards . 2024-10-20 . HarmonyOSHub . en-GB.
51. Web site: Version overview . HarmonyOS Developer . Huawei . 23 October 2024.
52. Web site: The Next name is used for current transition stage. HDC will be brought forward to June 2024 - Insider Report . Substack . 8 March 2024 . LivingInHarmony Blog . 8 March 2024.
53. Web site: Benjamin . Exclusive – There will be no "dual-frame" for Mate 70 global launch next month . HarmonyOSHub . 23 October 2024 .
54. Web site: Benjamin . 2024-11-13 . Huawei released HarmonyOS 5.0.1 Beta3 minor release with API 13 upgrade to developers yesterday - HarmonyOSHub . 2024-11-21 . en-GB.