HarmonyOS 6 Photo: Courtesy of Huawei

Chinese technology giant Huawei launched a next-generation proprietary operating system (OS), HarmonyOS 6, on Wednesday, which features a comprehensive upgrade in performance, intelligence and cross-device connectivity, in addition to an enhanced security level, the Global Times learned from the company. 
 
The company said that the new operating system was made available to the public on the same day for the first batch of more than 90 device models, offering users a seamless and convenient interactive experience.

The launch of HarmonyOS 6 signifies a new chapter for domestic operating systems. Its capabilities in cross-ecosystem interconnection, deep AI integration, and all-scenario interconnection not only offer users smarter and safer experiences but also inject new momentum into the global digitalization process, Wang Peng, an associate researcher at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

HarmonyOS 6 introduces several upgraded features.

The new system introduces the new Harmony Intelligent Agent Framework, allowing developers to build interactive, decision-making agents without dedicated algorithm teams or high R&D costs, according to the information the company shared with the Global Times on Wednesday.

HarmonyOS 6 will unlock a better software experience for its users in terms of visual design, intelligence and security, according to Richard Yu Chengdong, chairman of Huawei Consumer Business Group. "Continuous iterative evolution at an unimaginable rate. With the original intention of 'co-construction and sharing, we will prosper a new ecology' … Better looking, better use, smarter, safer and silky, HarmonyOS 6 is here!" Yu posted on his Sina Weibo account on Tuesday.

Huawei said more than 80 AI agents are now available through the Xiaoyi Intelligent Agent Hub — the system's built-in marketplace for AI-powered mini apps — covering scenarios such as education, travel, healthcare, entertainment and productivity.

HarmonyOS 6 offers users enhanced intelligent active security protection, according to the company. For example, the system's new AI fraud prevention feature supports family fraud prevention, better assisting users and their families in guarding against fraud risks.

Notably, HarmonyOS 6 supports mutual transfer between iPhone, iPad and Mac. HarmonyOS 6 bridges the gap between Huawei and Apple devices with a new multi-device connectivity feature that enables users to share files with iOS, iPadOS and macOS models.
 
The update marks a major step in integrating AI agents and expanding cross-ecosystem connectivity with Apple devices, Xiang Ligang, director-general of the Beijing-based Information Consumption Alliance, told Global Times on Wednesday.

"In recent years, the rise of China's domestic operating systems has been gathering speed, with the ecosystem of China's self-developed HarmonyOS expanding rapidly," Xiang said, noting that Chinese OS companies are making breakthroughs through a new round of information technology innovation.

As the Harmony ecosystem extends to PCs, in-vehicle systems and industrial fields, Huawei is poised to build an open, inclusive and sustainable intelligent ecosystem, reshaping the global technology competition landscape, Xiang said.

HarmonyOS is an open-source operating system designed for various devices and scenarios. According to Huawei's data, as of Wednesday, the number of installations HarmonyOS 5 has made to 23 million devices.
 
Global Times