TLDR: Huawei has officially launched HarmonyOS 6, its latest proprietary operating system, to developers and public beta users. The update introduces significant advancements in artificial intelligence with new AI agents and a dedicated development framework, alongside improvements in cloud architecture and cross-device connectivity, including file sharing with Apple devices.
Huawei Technologies has officially rolled out HarmonyOS 6, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s strategy to bolster its in-house software ecosystem amidst ongoing global challenges. The new operating system, which has been in developer testing for months, is now available for large-scale public beta access across more than 90 device models.
At the forefront of HarmonyOS 6 are its advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. Huawei has introduced an ‘AI agent development framework’ that empowers developers to create intelligent programs capable of interaction, autonomous decision-making, and collaborative behavior without the need to build or train complex foundation models. Richard Yu Chengdong, chairman of Huawei’s consumer business group, hailed HarmonyOS 6 as a ‘new milestone’ for the Chinese tech giant, emphasizing its full upgrade to the app ecosystem and user experience.
The initial wave of HarmonyOS 6 will see the deployment of over 80 AI agents, spanning various sectors such as education, medical care, entertainment, and daily life services. These agents, accessible through an integrated marketplace, are designed to assist users with tasks ranging from ordering food to booking air tickets. A notable example is the AI shopping assistant developed by Chinese e-commerce giant JD.Com, which can recommend products, identify promotions, and compare discounts based on user preferences.
Beyond AI, HarmonyOS 6 also brings substantial updates to its cloud architecture, though specific details on ‘CloudMatrix 384 AI rack architecture’ were highlighted in earlier beta announcements. The operating system also introduces enhanced cross-platform connectivity, a significant feature being the support for near-field communication (NFC) data transfer with Apple devices, enabling seamless data sharing without requiring an internet connection.
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Privacy and security have also received an upgrade with the introduction of ‘Super Privacy Mode’. This feature, activated with a single tap, employs a triple-layer defense mechanism to protect user environments from malicious applications and potential threats. Huawei’s ecosystem continues to expand, with over 8 million registered developers and more than 30,000 apps and ‘atomic services’ (mini-programs that run without installation) available. While acknowledging that HarmonyOS still trails iOS and Android in global reach and app support, Huawei reports rapid growth, with HarmonyOS 5 having been installed on over 23 million devices by October 2025. The company has also pledged over CNY1 billion (approximately USD140.3 million) to support the development of the HarmonyOS AI ecosystem, aiming to incubate more than 10,000 AI-native services, 1,000 intent frameworks, and 5,000 agents in the future.
