Recent reports suggest that several major Chinese smartphone manufacturers, including Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and OnePlus, are contemplating a shift away from traditional Android systems that depend on Google Mobile Services (GMS). This possible transition is believed to be driven by ongoing geopolitical trade tensions and apprehensions about future restrictions reminiscent of those imposed on Huawei. The escalating trade friction between the U.S. and China appears to motivate these brands to establish contingency plans for their operating systems. There are indications that these manufacturers could collaborate on this new initiative, possibly involving Huawei in some capacity.
While details of any potential partnership remain vague, Xiaomi’s upcoming HyperOS 3 may serve as a foundation for a system independent of Google. It is yet to be decided whether these companies will focus on maintaining compatibility with existing Android applications or adopt a different approach similar to Huawei’s HarmonyOS NEXT, which does not support Android apps. The potential integration of Huawei technologies, such as the Ark Compiler or Petal Maps, also remains uncertain. The global repercussions of such a maneuver could be considerable, as Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo are consistently ranked among the top five smartphone vendors worldwide.
Departing from GMS on devices intended for international markets could significantly disrupt the established Android ecosystem. This shift occurs amid heightened scrutiny for Google, which is currently grappling with antitrust and monopolistic challenges from the Department of Justice, facing a possible breakup of parts of its business. As the smartphone landscape evolves, consumers may ultimately bear the brunt of these changes, experiencing either setbacks or benefits.