At its annual developer conference (HDC 2025) on June 20, 2025, Huawei marked a turning point in the evolution of mobile operating systems by unveiling the beta version of HarmonyOS 6, a system centered on artificial intelligence (AI). With the introduction of the HarmonyOS Agent Framework (HMAF) and new AI agents, Huawei aims to redefine human-machine interaction, transforming operating systems into intelligent and autonomous assistants.
HarmonyOS 6: An AI-Focused Platform
A Break from Traditional Models
Unlike traditional operating systems such as Android or iOS, which rely primarily on applications, HarmonyOS 6 relies on AI agents to anticipate user needs and automate tasks. Presented by Richard Yu, president of Huawei’s Consumer Business Group, this system aims to provide a smoother and more intuitive user experience. AI agents, integrated via the HMAF, enable users to delegate complex tasks, such as calendar management, information retrieval, or control of smart home devices, without manually navigating between multiple applications.
This approach represents a new paradigm in human-machine interaction, where the operating system becomes an intelligent intermediary capable of learning and acting proactively. For example, the XiaoYi AI assistant, enhanced in this version, can analyze the smartphone screen in real time to provide contextual responses, similar to the Circle to Search feature.
The HarmonyOS Agent Framework (HMAF)
The HMAF is at the heart of HarmonyOS 6. This framework enables developers to create AI agents without having to design or train complex foundational models, making development more accessible. According to Huawei, over 50 AI agents will be available at public launch, including contributions from major Chinese platforms such as Weibo and Ximalaya. These agents cover varied use cases, such as ChatExcel for managing spreadsheets via voice commands, or Code Flying Agent for assisting in HarmonyOS application development.
The HMAF stands out for its ability to combine system understanding, planning, and execution, surpassing traditional AI agents limited to specific tasks. It also enables the integration of third-party agents, promoting task automation without manual interaction.
New Features and Improvements
XiaoYi: A Smarter Assistant
XiaoYi, Huawei’s virtual assistant, has been significantly improved in HarmonyOS 6. Thanks to the HMAF, it can understand complex intentions without requiring precise voice commands. For example, a user can ask XiaoYi to recommend a restaurant via the Dianping agent or generate code for an application. This contextualization makes the user experience more natural and efficient.
Enhanced Security with Star Shield
HarmonyOS 6 introduces the Star Shield security architecture, which improves biometric authentication and blocks suspicious applications. According to Huawei, this system has already identified and blocked over 8.6 billion application permission requests deemed “unreasonable” during beta testing, further strengthening user data protection.
Sharing and Integration Features
Among the new features, the Touch and Share function allows transferring files between a smartphone and a PC through simple physical contact, or joining gaming sessions instantly. Additionally, HarmonyOS 6 improves multi-device integration with the Star Connection technology, strengthening the “Super Device” ecosystem that connects smartphones, tablets, PCs, smartwatches, and even vehicles.
Developer Tools
Huawei also presented DevEco CodeGenie, an AI-assisted development tool that accelerates code generation and corrects up to 70% of syntax errors. This tool, based on a knowledge base specific to HarmonyOS, aims to attract more developers to the ecosystem.
A Growing Ecosystem, But Persistent Challenges
Growing Adoption
HarmonyOS has reached impressive milestones since its launch in 2021, following US sanctions that limited Huawei’s access to Google services. Today, the system powers over 900 million devices worldwide, with more than 8 million developers and 30,000 applications or atomic services. In China, HarmonyOS is gaining ground, notably thanks to its deep integration and privacy-focused features.
Limitations in the Global Market
Despite these advances, HarmonyOS 6 faces major challenges, particularly outside China. Richard Yu acknowledged that the application ecosystem lags behind iOS and Android in terms of global reach and application support. The complete abandonment of Android application compatibility, announced with this version, could complicate international adoption, where users still rely heavily on popular applications.
Perspectives and Industry Impact
A Credible Alternative to Android and iOS
With HarmonyOS 6, Huawei positions itself as a serious competitor to Android and iOS, betting on deep AI integration and technological independence. By placing AI agents at the core of its system, Huawei anticipates a trend where operating systems become artificial intelligence platforms, rather than mere application launchers.
This strategy could appeal to users seeking a smarter and more personalized experience, particularly in markets where Google services are absent. However, the success of HarmonyOS 6 will depend on Huawei’s ability to expand its application ecosystem and convince international developers.
An AI-Focused Future
The emphasis on AI agents reflects a broader trend in the technology industry, where companies seek to integrate AI at all levels of the user experience. By making AI agent development more accessible via the HMAF, Huawei could accelerate the adoption of these technologies, not only in smartphones, but also in connected objects, vehicles, and home devices.
HarmonyOS 6 marks a decisive step in Huawei’s quest for technological independence and innovation centered on artificial intelligence. With features like the HMAF, the XiaoYi assistant, and the Star Shield architecture, this system promises a more intuitive and secure user experience. However, to compete with iOS and Android on a global scale, Huawei will need to overcome challenges related to its application ecosystem and strengthen its presence outside China.
Awaiting the public launch, scheduled with the Mate 80 series in the fourth quarter of 2025, the HarmonyOS 6 beta version is available for developers on devices such as the Mate 70/70 Pro, Mate 60/60 Pro, Mate X5, and MatePad Pro tablets.
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