Huawei eyes spring release of Google-free smartphone

Homegrown software still needs more time before debut, exec says at Berlin expo

Huawei Technologies is expected to retain access to the open-source Android platform under the U.S. ban, but without access to key apps like Gmail. © Getty Images

TAKASHI KAWAKAMI, Nikkei staff writer

September 10, 2019 00:48 JST

GUANGZHOU -- Huawei Technologies looks to roll out a smartphone featuring its self-developed operating system as early as spring 2020, as U.S. sanctions endanger its access to Google's Android OS.

If Huawei cannot continue using Google services, it may introduce the smartphone version of its HarmonyOS with the flagship P40 due to be announced next March, Yu Chengdong, head of Huawei's consumer business, told Chinese media at the IFA 2019 electronics expo in Berlin.