- Chinese OEMs like Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and OnePlus are planning to move away from Android.
- With the threat of a looming trade war, companies are exploring an alternative to Google’s OS.
- Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3 could lay the groundwork for an alternative to Android.
Android is undoubtedly one of the most popular operating systems out there. Used by manufacturers like Samsung, apart from Chinese ones like Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and more, also rely on Android. However, a new rumor claims these manufacturers plan to move away from Android and create their own operating system.
Chinese OEMs Rumored To Be Working On Android Alternative
Chinese smartphone makers such as Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and OnePlus are planning to make their version of Android that does not use GMS (Google Mobile Services). With the threat of tariffs and trade wars looming, these OEMs want to avoid the same fate as Huawei.
Huawei faced a similar predicament years ago when trade restrictions prevented it from accessing Google’s software and chipsets from US makers. It also meant a lack of access to Google’s Play Store and other GMS components such as Maps and Gmail.
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Huawei soon lost its edge against other Android OEMs despite being at the forefront of Android hardware innovations. This ultimately led to a dwindling presence of the company in the international market, and it was forced to create its operating system: HarmonyOS.
With the US and China on the brink of another trade war, other Chinese OEMs now fear they could meet the same fate as Huawei. It might even lead these brands to work together and collaborate in challenging Google’s hegemony on Android and make their own OS.
Xiaomi’s upcoming HyperOS 3 will lay down the groundwork for an alternative to Google’s operating system. According to a report by XiaomiTime, Xiaomi and the BBK group (parent company of Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, and Realme) could collaborate on the OS.
What Are The Challenges In Creating An OS?
Creating an operating system isn’t without its challenges. While Huawei has managed to create HarmonyOS, the lack of apps means the company is largely restricted to China.
Even after making HMS as an alternative to GMS and its own AppGallery to take on the Play Store, there is little to no incentive for developers to make apps for a third operating system. So even if Chinese OEMs create their own OS, there will be major hurdles when it comes to making an app store, since it requires significant investment.
It could also alienate a large chunk of users outside of China who are still dependent on Google’s ecosystem and apps. The move could also decrease the market share of these companies as users flock to alternatives like Nothing and Samsung, which still rely on Google’s services.
The best bet for these Chinese brands is to gradually reduce dependence on Google’s operating system while internally making their own OS. Furthermore, they can offer two versions of their OS: one for the global market with GMS and another without GMS for China.
With Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and OnePlus being the top four smartphone makers in the world, a move away from Android could be a major jolt for Google. The Mountainview giant is already under a lot of trouble with antitrust and monopolistic challenges.
