Why it matters: While all previous consumer versions of Huawei HarmonyOS have been compatible with Android, HarmonyOS NEXT will break away from Android architecture, establishing itself as a truly independent operating system. Details: Huawei began the development of HarmonyOS in 2015 and subsequently released different versions from HarmonyOS 1.0 to 4.0. HarmonyOS NEXT will be the Chinese tech giant’s first OS not to accommodate Android applications and will not support the opening of APK files (Android application packages), according to statements made at Huawei’s launch event. Huawei opened recruitment for the HarmonyOS NEXT developer preview version on Monday, allowing users of its Huawei Mate 60, Mate 60 Pro, and Mate X5 phones to sign up. At the time of writing, more than 200 software companies have initiated the development of native HarmonyOS applications, making up 90% of the leading applications in the domestic sector, according to Huawei.