HarmonyOS Next is approaching its release date – Huawei has just released an introductory video showcasing some of the modifications to the UI design language. It seeks to move away from the plain, flat design and reintroduce depth with concepts such as “Spatial,” “Vivid Color,” and “Immersive.”
This version of HarmonyOS is known as the “Star River” edition, although some online translation services interpret the name as the “Galaxy” edition. To prevent confusion, we will stick with “Star River.”
HarmonyOS Next will no longer support Android in China, so local developers are actively converting their apps to the new platform, which has its own UI toolkit and compiler. Huawei claims that these produce more efficient apps. Around half of the Top 200 apps in China are currently being converted.
The new platform is supported by major Chinese companies such as Qihoo 360, China UnionPay (its Cloud Quick Pass will soon be enabled on the platform), Xiaohongshu (known as “Chinese Instagram”), Amap (mapping, navigation), Tongcheng Travel (which was the first to implement the transparent new theme for the UI), and others.
It’s important to note that HarmonyOS will retain Android support internationally; this primarily affects the domestic market.
