HarmonyOS version history explained

The version history of the HarmonyOS distributed operating system began with the public release of the HarmonyOS 1.0 for Honor Vision smart TVs on August 9, 2019. The first expanded commercial version of the Embedded, IoT AI, Edge computing based operating system, HarmonyOS 2.0, was released on June 2, 2021, for phones, tablets, smartwatches, smart speakers, routers, and internet of things. Beforehand, DevEco Studio, the HarmonyOS app development IDE, was released in September 2020 together with the HarmonyOS 2.0 Beta. HarmonyOS is developed by Huawei. New major releases are announced at the Huawei Developers Conference (HDC) in the fourth quarter of each year together with the first public beta version of the operating system's next major version. The next major stable version is then released in the third to fourth quarter of the following year.

Overview

The first public release of HarmonyOS 1.0 with LiteOS and Linux kernel space with AOSP compatibility layer occurred with the release of Huawei's former brand Honor Vision smart TVs on August 15, 2019, after it was announced on August 10, 2019, as the first HarmonyOS powered commercial product in Huawei's domestic market, China alongside smart IoT devices on LiteOS kernel.^{[1] [2]}

HarmonyOS 2.0 with Linux kernel that carried AOSP dual-framework base mobile telephony with OpenHarmony L3-L5 source code branch with EMUI fork was released on June 2, 2021, commercially in Huawei's domestic Chinese market, as de facto Beta testers for Chinese users, and was quickly adopted by 10 million users within a week.^[3] It was gradually rolled out globally to tablets, smartwatches and bands in Huawei's product lines between the second half of 2021 and the first half of 2022. Followed by HarmonyOS 3.0 API 8 iteration with the introduction of declarative programming and stronger Super Device connectivity with terminal devices in July 2022.

HarmonyOS 3.1 with API 9 and an enhanced feature built for Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets set was released March 30, 2023 that was first preinstalled on the latest Huawei flagship smartphones Huawei P60 series.^[4]

The current release HarmonyOS 4.0 was released on August 4, 2023, with OpenHarmony 3.2 API 9 that saw reduction of AOSP codebase on some started and small Linux kernel mode devices in transition with OpenHarmony L3-L5 codebase expansion, followed by OpenHarmony 4.0 API 10 October 26, 2023 where both versions are in line with earlier HarmonyOS NEXT builds that is the unified modular OS software stack, closed distro branch from OpenHarmony L0-L2 codebase branch with main kernels of Linux kernel standard, small and LiteOS kernel with M small and A mini systems conglomerated, alongside global Oniro OS main kernels, Yocto Linux kernel which carries Linux syscalls on POSIX components for standard, small and mini devices on Zephyr kernel in user mode of HarmonyOS NEXT system that carries the new retrofitted real-time, Microkernel architecture of HarmonyOS kernel on kernel mode in latest builds.

On 18 January 2024, Huawei released its core software operating system, custom OpenHarmony based HarmonyOS NEXT Developer Preview 1 for all registered public developers in China that will be integrated into the next HarmonyOS Galaxy Edition (Star River) version of HarmonyOS NEXT, folded into consumer HarmonyOS 5 version, the successor of current HarmonyOS which was announced at HarmonyOS Developers event held in China that is due for commercial release in Q4 2024 that aims to replace the current dual-framework closed L3-L5 OpenHarmony source code version of HarmonyOS that contains Linux, AOSP and LiteOS compatibilities next to native HarmonyOS APIs which versioning are now streamlined with OpenHarmony L0-L2 branch open source code as single framework, followed by a globalised and localised stack with Oniro OS.^{[5] [6]}

First Generation: Original initial version with LiteOS kernel and Linux kernel with AOSP (standard)

See also: LiteOS, Linux kernel and Android (operating system).

Second Generation: Dual framework with EMUI/AOSP [Linux kernel], with multi-framework OpenHarmony mobile convergence (L3-L5) with LiteOS kernel

See also: EMUI.

Name	OS version	API version	Initial stable release date	Latest security patch version (release date)^[8]	OpenHarmony (OHOS) L3-L5 version	Latest Huawei Mobile Services version (release date)^[9]
HarmonyOS 2.0		6	June 2, 2021
HarmonyOS 3.0		8	July 27, 2022
HarmonyOS 3.1		9	March 30, 2023
HarmonyOS 4.0		9	August 4, 2023	^[10]
HarmonyOS 4.2		9	April 11, 2024

Third Generation: Native single framework with HarmonyOS NEXT iterative versions, OpenHarmony based (L0-L2)

See also: HarmonyOS NEXT and OpenHarmony.

Version history

The following tables show the release dates and key features of all HarmonyOS operating system updates to date, listed chronologically by their official application programming interface (API) versions.

Pre-release (Internal)

• Harmony kernel 1.0 - Technology verified (2017)
• Harmony kernel 2.0 - Used for devices TEE (2018)

HarmonyOS 1.0

HarmonyOS 1.0 [1.0.0 - OpenHarmony 1.0.0] (API version 5), HarmonyOS 1.

The first release of HarmonyOS was on August 9, 2019, for the Honor-branded smart TV series, followed by Huawei Vision S-branded smart TV series during (HDC) Huawei Developer Conference of 2019 alongside Wireless Wi-Fi routers and IoT systems in 2020. The system incorporated the HarmonyOS microkernel for Trusted execution environment with hardware and user authentication for security, alongside system for Linux kernel and LiteOS kernel space. Introduced with in-house development using Ark Compiler with LiteOS Studio IDE for third-party apps in LiteOS kernel and Linux kernel environment with Ark Compiler Android apps support on AOSP libraries with comprehensive programming languages support as well as Huawei Quick App IDE for Quick Apps for Vision TVs on screen and screenless devices, this version incorporates the key modules based on the open-source framework with the following features:^{[12] [13]}

On September 9, 2020, Huawei opened up HAP app development for HarmonyOS 1.0 Vision TV with the new DevEco Studio IDE alongside HarmonyOS 2 Beta with the newer HarmonyOS SDK. Huawei donated HarmonyOS 1.0 L0-L2 branch source code to the OpenAtom Foundation, and launched the first version of the open source variant operating system called OpenHarmony 1.0 on September 10, 2020. The final minor update for Honor and Huawei Vision TVs, HarmonyOS 1.0.1.66 SP3 was released October 20, 2020.^[14]

HarmonyOS 2.0

HarmonyOS 2.0 [2.0.0 - OpenHarmony 2.2.0] (API version 6).HarmonyOS 2 was launched at the Huawei Developer Conference on 10 September 2020 as a public beta for smart home applications, smartwatches, and head-on-displays and Vision TVs only.^[17] Huawei announced it intended to ship the operating system on its smartphones in 2021.^[18] The first developer beta of HarmonyOS 2.0 was released on December 16, 2020, for the Chinese domestic market on older Huawei smartphone models which include developer features to build HAP apps and SDK tools for developers. Huawei also released the DevEco Studio 1.0 IDE, which is based on IntelliJ IDEA, and a cloud emulator for developers in early access on September 9, 2020.^[19] An updated DevEco Studio 2.0 IDE Developer Beta version for HarmonyOS app development with HarmonyOS 2.0 beta on smartphones on December 16, 2020^[20] with subsequent beta releases of 2.1 beta releases in the early first half of 2021.^[21] The system was able to run native HarmonyOS apps built on HarmonyOS Ability Package (HAP) with a new app package .app across the whole ecosystem of devices.^{[22] [23]}

Released on June 2, 2021, HarmonyOS 2 includes in-house development for the teeOS kernel and app framework for the general public in the Chinese domestic market of smartphones, tablets, HiCar systems, wearables, IoT systems and Vision TVs with an updated DevEco Studio 2.1 IDE^[24] alongside subsequent DevEco Studio 2.2 beta releases afterwards.

This version includes a new Harmony OS 2.0 home screen based on EMUI design, new control panel design layout with Super Device, Service Center, Service Cards, and App Snippets for the atomic services platform exclusive to native HarmonyOS apps. It has shared multitasking known as Task Center for Huawei devices between phone and tablets as well as running more than one app on tablet and phone screens. The new OS is also optimized for Huawei Super Device, connecting Huawei computers, tablets and smartphones with on-screen gestures and multi-screen collaboration.^[25]

Name	OS version	API version	Initial stable release date	Latest security patch version (release date)^[26]	Features
HarmonyOS 2.0	2.0.0	6	June 2, 2021		Huawei AppGallery, allowing application downloads and updates through the Market application. JavaScript (JS), Native C++, C and Java programming language development supported for easy porting from Android apps into native HarmonyOS apps.^[27] Smartphone and tablet home screen based on EMUI design upgradable from EMUI. Support for watches from LiteOS to new HarmonyOS system with new crown UI similar to Apple Watch. Support for wearable devices such as fitness bands. Support for car systems such as Huawei HiCar Android compatibility apps of Android 10 and 11 support with .apk and .aab packages support with Linux kernel on phones, tablets and Vision TVs. Introducing dual-framework of Android and HarmonyOS APIs. Huawei Watch 3 Linux kernel included developer mode with AOSP framework support, alongside HarmonyOS APIs. A new control panel design layout with Super Device. Service Center, Service Cards, and App Snippets for the atomic services platform exclusive to native HarmonyOS apps. Shared app multitasking known as Task Center across Huawei devices between phone and tablets as well as running more than one app on tablet. The Task Center allows phone screens using the base CPU for apps or the GPU of the host distributed device for games. Including drag and drop of documents from one device to another in an app.^[28] Optimized for Huawei Super Device, connecting Huawei computers, tablets and smartphones with on-screen gestures and multi-screen collaboration. EROFS read only file system support (HDFS) HarmonyOS Distributed File System file system Comprehensive security kernel stack for hardware authentication and app environment system (teeOS Microkernel). HMS Core 5.0 support for backwards AOSP compatibility app framework support with HMS apps. HMS Core 6.0 August 2021 for Hongmeng/HarmonyOS compatibility app framework support with HMS apps. For Smart Screens: HarmonyOS 2 update for smart screens from 1.0 brings new smart functions such as smoother connections, includes super terminal, screen split-screen, and smart reminder functionalities.
	2.0.1		September 20, 2021		Minor firmware updates under HarmonyOS 2.x: HarmonyOS 2.0.1 & 2.0.1 SP3 update - October 2021 (Mid-range); December 2021 (High end): Stability and optimisation update for all Qualcomm Snapdragon based Huawei smartphones. Also minor user experience enhancements cross device Task Sharing with larger MatePad 11 high end tablet line for high end Huawei flagship smartphones.^[29]
	2.1.0		August 4, 2022;October 25, 2021 (GT 3)		HarmonyOS 2.1 for watches - August 2022: Brings rich API capabilities to provide better third-party apps experiences^[30] Optimisations on audio control centre, as well as system performance, system stability and voice broadcast experience in some scenarios. Star River watch face includes a simpler always-on-display (AoD) variant.^[31]
			August 29, 2022		HarmonyOS 2.1.0 (2.1.0.165) version for E-ink tablet device only for MatePad Paper - August 2022:^[32] E-ink tablet Ink experience Special home screen layout for E-ink Compatible with Android apps Compatible with native HarmonyOS apps Huawei Browser support AppGallery support Huawei Mobile Services support Huawei service apps - Petal Maps, Huawei Cloud, Huawei Books etc. Notes The update revises "Notes” application, supports multi-level folder, and synchronizes “Notes” app with tablets and mobile. Further, also supports cross-page and cross-notebook copying functions. Reading Bookshelf function helps to group the books according to choice. Double-click the stylus to use eraser. System Long press on application icon to add to sidebar. Security The upgraded version integrates August 2022 security patches.
			September 19, 2022		HarmonyOS 2.1.0 (2.1.0.173) version for E-ink tablet device only for MatePad Paper - September 2022New Feature Added Delayed Shutdown auxiliary function. After the screen-off time reaches set time, the screen automatically shut down. Optimizations Optimizes interface display of device Improves the stability of Notes app Optimizes system performance^[33]
			January 31, 2024		HarmonyOS 2.1.0 (2.1.0.173) version for E-ink tablet device only for MatePad Paper - January 2024Optimization Optimize stylus writing experiences.^[34]

HarmonyOS 3.0

HarmonyOS 3.0 [3.0.0 - OpenHarmony 3.1] (API version 8),HarmonyOS 3 was announced on Huawei Developers Conference 2021 on October 22, 2021.^[35] and launched on July 27, 2022.^[36]

The Harmony OS 3 version was reported to bring more stability and increased performance of the system's kernel for better user experience and low power consumption. The new release also aims to bring more power to the Super Device feature, which allows connectivity between smart devices with a single super device such as a smartphone. It includes Huawei services such as Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) for Harmony Ability Packages (HAP) native HarmonyOS apps, Celia Assistant and Service Center in global markets.

Java language support dropped on HMOS 3.0 for main full support of eTS, JS programming languages in the new version of the operating system with an updated DevEco Studio 3.0 IDE released afterwards on September 17, 2022.^[37] Since API Level 8, .hap apps can run on both HarmonyOS and OpenHarmony simultaneously in one unified development environment as one project.

Huawei aims to release the new version of the operating system globally to older models gradually and release new smartphone and tablet models in two months after the release.^[38]

Name	OS version	API version	Initial stable release date	Latest security patch version (release date)^[39]	Features
HarmonyOS 3.0	3.0.0	8	July 27, 2022		Improved organised folders with Service Cards support and enhanced Service cards customisations resizing. A new Super Home Screen which is an extension of the super device features introduced on HMOS 2 that allows users to share the mobile home screen application to their devices powered by HarmonyOS operating system. Similar to shared multitasking of apps on HarmonyOS 2 on HarmonyOS powered devices.^[40] Improvements with UI/UX experiences. ArkUI declarative development introduced in JS and eTS replaced imperative UI development under Java.^[41] Optimised and performance latency improvements bringing more fluid experience to the operating system. Super Device enhancements. Celia Assistant and Service Center in global markets. Android compatibility version upgrade to Android 12 for the compatibility of latest Android apps on smartphones and tablets. Status bar customisations on smartphones. Improvements to privacy protections New Super Device settings interface. Java language support dropped for main full support of eTS, JS in this version of the operating system. .hap apps can both run on both Huawei's HarmonyOS and open source HarmonyOS, OpenHarmony. Supports for more than one headphones, earphones connectivity via Bluetooth connectivity on Super Device. New UI embedded on the home screen of Themes customisation with colours, shape of icons etc. Service Cards now has additional customisation sizes. New organisation folders layout that allows system toggles customisation directly on the home screen without the need to drag down Control Panel center. Service Cards can now be organised in folders with customisation sizes. Service Cards can now be organised as a collection of cards that allows users to flick different Atomic Service Cards. Enables sharing with phone's cellular network with a tablet to answer calls or receive SMS directly on the large-screen device. Audio sharing support of Bluetooth with users Auto layout on home screen customisation powered by AI^[42] For Cars: Super Home Screen Dual-screen collaboration Smart Search support Master driving privacy mode HUD's adaptive adjustment Time wallpaper Improvements to Celia Assistant.^[43] For Smart Screens: HarmonyOS 3: 720P becomes 4K, with clearer portraits of the subject. Sports Health function supports 200ms low latency, multi-person recognition anti-interference. Smoother connections, clearer details and a more stable picture. Smart life that support for one-touch access to external storage. Children's mode: new support for motion physical games using motion sensors of the camera.^[44]
			December 31, 2022		For Watches: Professional Sport functions Health Management Smart Travel Automated enter and exit sleep mode Mute Collaboration Function Super Device support Advanced Dial that comes with Mountain Cloud sea effect, Kaleidoscope Dial and New Watch Faces Playing Skills System improves and optimises Bluetooth connections with new status icon.^[45]
			July 1, 2023		HarmonyOS 3.1 features backported to older phone devices for Huawei Mate series, MatePad Pro 12.6, 2022, Nova 10 Youth Edition and Nova 9 SE and the rest of other 17 Huawei devicesService Widgets: Combined widgets automatically expand or shrink as widget increase or decreases, and stacked widget automatically rotate and display as the scene changes. Smart multi-window: Added function of saving split-screen state, saving split-screen state to home screen, and clicking split-screen combination icon to open the dual-app split-screen with one click model. Calendar: Added curriculum subscription service, you can import curriculum by taking photos or photo albums, support custom editing of courses and course reminders, and curriculum. Service card can be added to the desktop, and easier tutorials. System: The document supports one-step preview, no need to pop up the box to choose the opening method. Call audio switched between speaker, earpiece, and different Bluetooth devices in one step through multi-device broadcast control center. Added quick download icon for Game Centre app, click to download and use directly. Smart multi-window: Optimized smart multi-window experience. When returning to home screen, floating window automatically shrink to small window to continue task. Charging:(only involved in NOH/NOP) Optimized super fast charging turbo mode charging experience. App Guard: Optimized app guard, improved security, provides second confirmation pop-up window for application jumps, reduce risk of misoperation, and make every jump knowable and controllable System: Optimize Huawei's printing interface, simplify and unify the printing entry, and more accessible to print documents in one step. Optimize system performance, sliding operation, page switching, and smoother application startup, dynamic effects interrupted. Safety: Incorporate the June 2023 security patch to enhance system security.^[46] ^[47] ^[48] ^[49]

HarmonyOS 3.1

HarmonyOS 3.1 [3.1.0 - OpenHarmony 3.2] (API version 9) was announced on Huawei Developers Conference 2022 on November 4, 2022, and launched on March 30, 2023,

The Harmony OS 3.1 version was reported being a more evolution of version 3.0, that brings more stability at API level and increased system animation fluidness improvements as well as visually refined on the user interface side for better user experiences and also API improvements for app developers with a following release of an updated DevEco Studio 3.1 IDE on April 8, 2023.^{[50] [51]}

Name	OS version	API version	Initial stable release date	Latest security patch version (release date)^[52]	Features
HarmonyOS 3.1	3.1.0	9	March 30, 2023		3D Always on Display (AOD) Faster start-up and running time of apps Improved user experiences with dynamic special effects in notification centre, Atomic Service Card size adjustments, window size adjustments and audio control. Custom lock screen Better optimisation of icons with minor changes New stock camera app that includes the new rotating zoom ring Second generation satellite communication features support in China Better lifecycle security control of hide on-screen applications and background popup app management Foldable phone UI support to manage large on-screen display with new home screen layout with window rotation and query capabilities through various interfaces optimised for foldable smartphone hardware. New input method cursor direction added Improved AI powered smart multi-tasking split screen functions Brand new lock screen functionality Fluid, smoother and seamless transitions of system animations across the OS. Full declarative ArkUI development framework support for new HarmonyOS Design Language System ArkTS language support and primary, and eTS depreciated, JS for Lite 3.0 API 8 FA backward compat support DevEco Studio IDE template Enhanced Web services and application framework Meta capability expansion of stage development models Added interface for querying application^[53] Huawei Pangu AI Natural Language Processing (NLP) model integrated into HarmonyOS 3.1 Celia Assistant improvements in China^[54]
	3.1.1		February 5, 2024		For Huawei Children’s Watch 5: Optimizations: Optimizes the user experience of the Changlian app Optimizes the system stability in some scenarios Improves the Reminders feature in certain conditions Security: Integrates the December 2023 security patch to enhance system security^[55]

HarmonyOS 4.0

HarmonyOS 4.0 [4.0.0 - OpenHarmony 3.2] (API version 9), HarmonyOS 4 was announced and launched at Huawei Developers Conference 2023 on August 4, 2023, as public beta.HarmonyOS 4.0 stable version rolled out to various 34 smartphone and tablet model devices between August 18 and August 29, 2023, on .111, .112 and .113 stable builds in China.^{[56] [57]}

The Harmony OS 4.0 version brings more advanced features set at API level and increased system animation fluidness improvements as well as visually refined on the user interface side for better user experiences and also API improvements for app developers.^[58]

Name	OS version	API version	Initial stable release date	Latest security patch version (release date)^[59]	Features
HarmonyOS 4.0	4.0.0	9	August 4, 2023		New Personalization for Personal theme with New "ART" theme and themed icons(can't cover 3rd party apps) and Interact theme with New Panoramic weather theme. New First Boot screen start-up New system theme 1800 native HarmonyOS designed system emojis Interactive Watch Faces Smart Notification Center Improved Service Widgets with Meta (Formerly called Atomic) Services, card style information Refreshed SuperHub improvements with connectivity and integration of all apps between devices that Extract any Information from screen(word and photo) pull to SuperHub. Generative AI and LLM Multimodal learning Voice Assistant Celia/XiaoYi[China] - Powered by Huawei Pangu AI model, supports Chinese and English with Celia Proactive Suggestions and Developers can add Celia Voice services to their atomic services Native intelligence - AI Control, Intent framework, Core AI API and Core DeepLearning API Smart Search Multi-screen sharing Better Performance Application Control Center Children's Remote Guardian Elderly Care Live window, LiveView notifications on smart capsule (Dynamic notifications) Comprehensive Map services kit with Petal Maps SDK. Chinese Noodles emoji Responsive columns - Dichotomous column, tricolumn System-level control AI Control panel with a new Music playback UI/UX improvements of volume and scrubber playback support on Huawei Music and third-party apps Control panel UI improvements of better animations UI/UX interactions China HDR Vivid and Audio Vivid technology standard In-house Ark Engine multimedia API graphics system.^[60] ArkUI-X cross platform framework support with full stack of software development, including programming languages, multilingual front-ends, compilers, execution engines, and a series of tool chains. Vulkan NDK support HarmonyOS SDK has been upgraded to API 10, integrating device and cloud at the same time integrating HarmonyOS NEXT early builds Dynamic notifications on all devices (Phones lockscreen, Watches with Crescent Moon Window and with LiveView).^[61] HUAWEI M-Pencil into a whiteboard marker in seconds, and the shared content can be highlighted and marked. Battery life improvements up to 20% New Screenshot functionalities within app view and windowed apps. New photo editor Auto support The super transfer station supports more applications, and two-finger long press can easily extract text and pictures and drag them into the transfer station. The super desktop expands more scenarios, not only supporting the transfer of mobile games to the smart cockpit screen, but also supporting the transfer of drone aerial images to the smart cockpit.^[62] TV support Router support IoT support Wearables support Audio accessories and devices support Phone Features Improved AOD Better look screen customization Watch Features Crescent moon window on Watches 3D interactive watch face customisation Watch Face API support for rich 3D games for third-party developers.^[63] NearLink 1.0 support on Huawei Mate 60 AOSP codebase reduced to 40%
			March 11, 2024		Dubbed as "New HarmonyOS 4 Beta" or “New Experience Version” with "Pollen Beta version", which is a minor evolution update of HarmonyOS 4.0 announced on March 11, 2024, as part of the HarmonyOS NEXT transition alongside HarmonyOS 4.2 firmware for spring flagships, with support of limited to Mate 60 and other 28 device models on HarmonyOS 4.0. This variant comes with improvements. Beta pool opened until March 15 and reviewing process completed before March 30, as release of the firmware version begins on 12, March 2024. Release end of Q1, early Q2 2024.^[64] ^[65] Changelog includes: User Interface: The Art Protagonist theme enables you to customize the background. Added feature of recording clearer audio and sounds via Bluetooth devices. Improves overall performance with smoother operations in multiple scenarios such as task switching, app launch, and task interruption Added new device-cloud cooperation mechanism to obtain more accurate and rapid control of malicious apps. Added new anti-false alarms for viruses and risky apps to make OS safer and pure from malicious apps. The Interactive theme can change the custom background when cutting out pictures, which will bring more room for creativity. Huawei Celia now suggests that conditions-based widgets can be stacked and displayed to improve the experience. Polishes the operation details of more scenarios to make visual effects, prompts, etc. more refined and accurate System: Improves overall performance with smoother operations in multiple scenarios such as task switching, app launch, and task interruption Optimized global search experience and make the home screen pull-down feature smoother Added WLAN network automatic connection tab, which can individually control whether to auto-connect to previously connected WLAN networks. Added Bluetooth device recording switch. When recording from distance to connect Huawei headphones to record via Bluetooth for better quality recording. Security: Integrates device-cloud cooperation mechanism to achieve more accurate and faster control of malicious apps Optimizes switching feature between applications and adds “Always Allow” option to give more detailed control experience. Application: Upgraded “Huawei Reading” service. Based on HarmonyOS features, with better high-quality reading experiences with access to millions of good books, AI emotional reading, and cross-device circulation. ^[66] ^[67]

HarmonyOS 4.2

HarmonyOS 4.2 [4.2.0 - OpenHarmony 3.2] (API version 9) was revealed at Huawei VMALL ecommerce service in China on April 9, 2024, with Pre-sale activity on Huawei Smart TV S5 and launched on April 11, 2024. Devices such as Huawei Smart TV S5 series and Huawei Pura70 flagship series bundled with this new firmware version. On the same day, HarmonyOS 4.2 is open for registration and public beta rollout for devices such as: Huawei Pocket 2, Huawei Pocket 2 Art Custom Edition, Huawei Mate 60, Huawei Mate 60 Pro, Huawei Mate 60 Pro+, Huawei Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design, HUAWEI Mate X5, HUAWEI Mate X5 Collector's Edition, MatePad Pro 11-inch 2024, Matepad Pro 13.2 and Matepad Pro 13.2.^{[68] [69] [70]}

Preparing AOT compilation codebase shifting from L3-L5 on OpenHarmony with HarmonyOS 4.x/EMUI 14.x versioning to pure L0-L2 OpenHarmony codebase with pure blooded Hongmeng Galaxy Edition with HarmonyOS NEXT system stack for HarmonyOS 5.0 OS codebase.

Name	OS version	API version	Initial stable release date	Latest security patch version (release date)^[71]	Features
HarmonyOS 4.2	4.2.0	9	April 11, 2024		Changelog includes: User Interface: The Interactive Art Protagonist theme enables you to customize the background. Added feature of recording clearer audio and sounds via Bluetooth devices. Improves overall performance with smoother operations in multiple scenarios such as task switching, app launch, and task interruption Hand Gesture Navigation AI Image Eraser Wisdom Xiaoyi Digital Assistant (Chinese version of Celia) Added new device-cloud cooperation mechanism to obtain more accurate and rapid control of malicious apps. Added new anti-false alarms for viruses and risky apps to make OS safer and pure from malicious apps. The Interactive theme can change the custom background when cutting out pictures, which will bring more room for creativity. Huawei Celia now suggests that conditions-based widgets can be stacked and displayed to improve the experience. Polishes the operation details of more scenarios to make visual effects, prompts, etc. more refined and accurate System: Smart Payments Improves overall performance with smoother operations in multiple scenarios such as task switching, app launch, and task interruption Optimized global search experience and make the home screen pull-down feature smoother Added WLAN network automatic connection tab, which can individually control whether to auto-connect to previously connected WLAN networks. Added Bluetooth device recording switch. When recording from distance to connect Huawei headphones to record via Bluetooth for better quality recording. Security: Integrates device-cloud cooperation mechanism to achieve more accurate and faster control of malicious apps Optimizes switching feature between applications and adds “Always Allow” option to give more detailed control experience. Information protection and intelligent information hiding Application: Upgraded “Huawei Reading” service. Based on HarmonyOS features, with better high-quality reading experiences with access to millions of good books, AI emotional reading, and cross-device circulation.
			April 18, 2024		Huawei Pura 70 series comes with HarmonyOS 4.2.0.137 update, post-release. Changelog: Themes: Added an interesting triangular-shaped character combined with a sports theme and transformed it into a tennis player of Interactive Themes The lock screen interface follows the movement of the human eye gaze area to hit the ball back and forth, resulting in a realistic human-computer interaction experience. Added more geometric elements and emoticons Geometric stickers and mood stickers now have 1 new set of lock screen animations. Mood Party and Geometric Party have 2 new layout styles Magazine Themes Security: Added permission for app to deny an advertisement opening with a mobile shake gesture, providing purer app experience. Floor-level device search System: Enhanced Ark Engine TV - Smart TV photo wall Wearables - New Watch Face additions^[72] Applications: Optimizes app launch animation, making app experience smoother Cervical Spine Health 2.0 via Huawei Health New Celia Assistant Gallery: “AI Photo Retouch” added on the image editing menu, in which AI elimination function smartly identifies and erases irrelevant passers-by or debris in the photo, making photo background more harmonious and orderly. Camera: Added new ‘Flash Shot’ mode. Optimizes shooting details and improves shooting experience under ‘Moon’ and ‘Macro’ modes. Optimizes camera's shooting effects and continues to improve shooting experience Optimizes camera's recording experience in some scenarios^[73]
			June 10, 2024		HarmonyOS 4.2.0.162 camera improvements for Huawei Pura 70 devices. Changelog: Camera: Optimizes the shooting effects in certain situations, including portrait, landscape, night scene, sunset, and micro shooting. Optimizes camera stability. Audio: Optimizes audio experience in certain situations. Display: Improves touchscreen sensitivity in some scenarios. Optimizes the display of certain interfaces.^[74]
			June 16, 2024		HarmonyOS 4.2.0.167 camera improvements for Huawei Pura 70 devices. Changelog: Camera: Optimizes the shooting effects in certain situations, including portrait, landscape, night scene, sunset, and micro shooting. Optimizes camera stability.^[75]
			July 9, 2024		HarmonyOS 4.2.0.169 camera improvements for Huawei Pura 70 Ultra devices. Changelog: Camera: Improves quality of photos taken with primary camera as well as telephoto cameras in certain scenarios. Improves quality of photos in the camera stack taken with third-party apps. Optimizes AI cloud enhancement feature. System: Improves system stability Security: June 2024 security monthly patches for improved system security.^[76]
			July 18, 2024		HarmonyOS 4.2.0.172 camera improvements for Huawei Pura 70 Ultra devices.Changelog: Gallery:Adds Expand feature to Al retouch in Gallery,which analyzes content and structure of images, optimizes their proportions, and fills in missing sections, to provide a better and more expansive viewing experience. Games:Improves the user experience in certain games.^[77]

HarmonyOS 5.0

See also: HarmonyOS NEXT. HarmonyOS 5.0 [5.0.0] (API version 12)August 4, 2023 (API 9) Developer Preview 1 for HarmonyOS NEXT internal cooperative developers, for native software development switched from L3-L5 dual framework to pure unified, single L0-L2 source code branch codebase of full fledged OpenHarmony base. January 2024 Developer Preview 1 Beta for public registered developers (API 10), Q2 Developer Preview 2 (API 11–12), Public Beta (API 12) builds and Commercial (API 12) stable builds:

On January 18, 2024, at the HarmonyOS Developer event in China, Huawei announced that the third generation HarmonyOS operating system with an internal version called HarmonyOS Galaxy Edition on HarmonyOS NEXT system. The developer preview version is open for application development, alongside the release of Beta version for enterprise developers ahead of HarmonyOS 5. The HarmonyOS NEXT version of HarmonyOS Galaxy Edition developer beta version of the program is due for Q2 launch for all unregistered public developers as HarmonyOS NEXT system is integrated into the operating system of HarmonyOS 5 general release version as planned.

A commercial system version for all users is to be released in Q4 on the commercial HarmonyOS 5.0 baseline preview version, from the previous HarmonyOS 4.0 versioning requirement baseline OTA rollout on specific devices, alongside new factory devices shipped with the new OS.^[78]

The first batch of devices tested on HarmonyOS NEXT Developer Preview 1 are the Mate 60, Mate 60 Pro, and Mate X5 phones.^[79]

On April 2, 2024, External beta expansion of Developer Preview 2 rolled out on more registered developers' handsets with latest pre-release canary build.^[80]

On April 11, 2024, the company announced its incoming HarmonyOS 5.0 operating system version of Galaxy Edition version under HarmonyOS NEXT system that will first be released as open beta program for developers and users at its annual Huawei Developer Conference in June 2024 before Q4 commercial consumer release with upcoming Mate 70 flagship, among other ecosystem devices.^[81]

On June 21, 2024, at the Huawei Developer Conference of 2024, the company announced it's Developer Beta 1 program for registered developers introducing Developer wide program in China outside Huawei partners oriented Developer Preview builds. It included key features such as Harmony Intelligence embedded in the OS AI system stack of PanGu 5.0 upgraded LLM with Embedded variant, MindSpore with Neural Network Runtime API kit that includes the new smarter Celia (Xiaoyi) AI body Feed with further finalised UI overhaul enhancements across the system.^[82]

See also

• iOS version history
• Android version history
• Windows 10 version history
• LiteOS
• EulerOS

External links

• • OpenHarmony website

Notes and References

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3. Web site: Smith . Chris . This new Android rival hit 10 million users in just one week . BGR . 10 June 2021 . June 10, 2021.
4. Web site: NYAME . FREDERICK . HUAWEI P60 SERIES LAUNCHED, GREAT SPECS BUT NOT TOO IMPRESSED . gizchina . 23 March 2023 . 13 April 2023.
5. Web site: Bhati . Kamlesh . Huawei HarmonyOS NEXT Official Now: Bring Spatial Design and Vivid Color Concepts . Sparrownews.com . Sparrownews.com . 20 January 2024.
6. Web site: Harmony . Living In . 2024-03-08 . The Next name is used for current transition stage. HDC will be brought forward to June 2024 - Insider Report . 2024-04-05 . Living In Harmony.
7. Web site: Security Bulletins . HarmonyOS Device . Huawei . July 11, 2022.
8. Web site: Security Bulletins . HarmonyOS Device . Huawei . July 11, 2022.
9. Web site: Huawei Mobile Services (HMS Core) by Huawei Internet Services . APKMirror . July 11, 2022.
10. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . Standard Huawei P60 users receiving HarmonyOS 4.0.0.126 update . HC Newsroom . HC Newsroom . 18 January 2024.
11. Web site: Security Bulletins . HarmonyOS Device . Huawei . July 11, 2022.
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46. Web site: Sarkar . Amy . Entire Huawei Mate 40 series jump into HarmonyOS 3.1 features . HC Newsroom . HC Newsroom . 29 March 2024.
47. Web site: Sarkar . Amy . These 17 devices received new HarmonyOS 3.1 features . HC Newsroom . HC Newsroom . 29 March 2024.
48. Web site: Sarkar . Amy . Huawei Mate 30 series gets new HarmonyOS 3.1 features dose . HC Newsroom . HC Newsroom . 29 March 2024.
49. Web site: Sarkar . Amy . Huawei Nova 10 Youth Edition and Nova 9 SE installing new HarmonyOS 3.1 features . HC Newsroom . HC Newsroom . 29 March 2024.
50. Web site: 2023-04-11 . HarmonyOS could give Android, iOS a good run for their money . 2023-04-13 . International Business Times UK . en.
51. Web site: Li . Deng . 2023-04-08 . Huawei DevEco Studio 3.1 Release brings new features, enhancements and fixes . 2023-08-31 . Huawei Central . en-US.
52. Web site: Security Bulletins . HarmonyOS Device . Huawei . July 11, 2022.
53. Web site: Nick . 2023-04-10 . Harmony OS: set to defeat Android and iOS once and for all . 2023-04-13 . Gizchina.com . en-US.
54. Web site: Li . Deng . 2023-04-04 . New Huawei Pangu AI model launching on April 8 . 2023-04-13 . Huawei Central . en-US.
55. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . Huawei Children’s Watch 5 is receiving HarmonyOS 3.1.1.154 update . HC Newsroom . HC Newsroom . 29 March 2024.
56. Web site: Chetan . Huawei Mate 50 & P60 get stable HarmonyOS 4 update in China . GizmoChina . 30 August 2023.
57. Web site: Sarkar . Amy . Huawei starts stable HarmonyOS 4 rollout for these 34 devices . HC Newsroom . 30 August 2023.
58. Web site: Sarkar . Amy . 2023-08-06 . HarmonyOS 4 Features: Live Window, Personalization, AI Celia, Smart Notifications and more . 2023-08-07 . Huawei Central . en-US.
59. Web site: Security Bulletins . HarmonyOS Device . Huawei . July 11, 2022.
60. Web site: William . Eshan . 2023-08-04 . HarmonyOS 4 combined with the new Huawei Ark Engine: performance increased by 20%, battery life increased by 30 minutes . 2023-08-09 . GAMINGDEPUTY . en-US.
61. Web site: Sarkar . Amy . 2023-08-09 . Huawei HarmonyOS 4 features changelog . 2023-08-09 . Huawei Central . en-US.
62. Web site: William . Eshan . 2023-08-04 . Huawei Hongmeng HarmonyOS 4 system officially released: new "live window", Xiaoyi AI upgrade, Ark engine . 2023-08-09 . GAMINGDEPUTY . en-US.
63. Web site: Sarkar . Amy . 2023-08-08 . You can play games on Huawei smartwatches with HarmonyOS 4 . 2023-08-09 . Huawei Central . en-US.
64. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . New HarmonyOS 4 Beta to offer improved security and smoother animations . 11 March 2024 . HC Newsroom . HC Newsroom.
65. Web site: Wenzhou . The new test experience version of Huawei HarmonyOS 4 has been released: it has been upgraded in four aspects: interface, system, security, and applications . 12 March 2024 . IT Home . IT Home.
66. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . New HarmonyOS 4 trial version program opens for Huawei Mate 60 and 28 other devices . 11 March 2024 . HC Newsroom . HC Newsroom.
67. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . Huawei releases new HarmonyOS 4.0.0.200 beta with useful features [Changelog] ]. HC Newsroom . HC Newsroom . 9 April 2024.
68. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . Huawei Smart TV S5 series featuring self-developed AI chip enters pre-sale . HC Newsroom . HC Newsroom . 9 April 2024.
69. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . Huawei P70 series could pre-install new HarmonyOS 4.2 software version . HC Newsroom . HC Newsroom . 9 April 2024.
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71. Web site: Security Bulletins . HarmonyOS Device . Huawei . July 11, 2022.
72. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . Huawei shares key features of HarmonyOS 4.2 software version . HC Newsroom . HC Newsroom . 19 April 2024.
73. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . Huawei Pura 70 series receives HarmonyOS 4.2.0.137 right after its release . HC Newsroom . HC Newsroom . 19 April 2024.
74. Web site: Huawei Pura 70 Ultra HarmonyOS 4.2.0.162 Update improves cameras . YouTube . LL Techview . 10 June 2024.
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76. Web site: Matsui . Emiko . Huawei improves Pura 70 Ultra camera features via July 2024 update . HC Newsroom . HC Newsroom . 9 July 2024.
77. Web site: Li . Chen . The Huawei Pura70 Pro+ /Ultra received the HarmonyOS 4.2.0.172 update . top168.com . IT Home . 3 August 2024.
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