HarmonyOS Next is drawing near to its release – Huawei has just shared an introductory video highlighting some of the changes to the UI design style. It is seeking to move away from the dull flat design and reintroduce dimensionality with terms like “Spatial,” “Vivid Color” and “Immersive.”
This iteration of HarmonyOS is referred to as the “Star River” edition, despite some online translation services translating the name to “Galaxy” edition. To avoid confusion, we will stick with “Star River.”
HarmonyOS Next will eliminate Android support in China, so local developers are working on adapting their apps to the new platform, which comes with its own UI toolkit and compiler. Huawei claims that these produce more efficient apps. Approximately half of the Top 200 apps in China are undergoing conversion.
The new platform has garnered the support of major Chinese companies such as Qihoo 360, China UnionPay (its Cloud Quick Pass will soon be enabled on the platform), Xiaohongshu (makers of what has been called “Chinese Instagram”), Amap (mapping, navigation), Tongcheng Travel (which was the first to use the transparent new theme for the UI) and others.
Please note that HarmonyOS will maintain Android support internationally, as this primarily impacts the domestic market.
