What YunOS’s Struggles Reveal About HarmonyOS’s Future?

Since Huawei publicly launched HarmonyOS 2 on June 2, the operating system has become a hot topic, reflecting both Huawei’s strategic response to pressure and broader expectations for a domestic OS. After donating Open Harmony to the OpenAtom Foundation, HarmonyOS entered the market as a new contender.

In 2013, Alibaba attempted to build its own OS, YunOS, to challenge Android, but lacked sufficient patents and hardware support, leading to its defeat. Former YunOS employee "Wen Jing" recounts the development history, noting that YunOS was based on open‑source Android code (AOSP) plus proprietary code, following a typical model for creating an independent OS.

YunOS’s first clash with Google occurred around 2014, when it tried to rewrite proprietary code and leverage domestic app markets, prompting a strong legal and patent response from Google that ultimately caused YunOS’s failure.

The second phase saw Google globally targeting YunOS with patent threats, forcing hardware partners to abandon collaboration and leaving YunOS financially devastated.

After these setbacks, YunOS explored alternatives such as H5 mini‑programs, AI chips, and the Internet of Things, but faced resistance from dominant app ecosystems and lacked sufficient hardware backing.

From the YunOS veteran’s perspective, HarmonyOS faces even greater challenges but enjoys unique advantages: Huawei’s deep telecom expertise, extensive 5G infrastructure, and a large domestic user base provide a strong foundation for a sovereign OS.

Huawei’s open‑source strategy with Open Harmony gives the OS a strategic edge that YunOS never had, positioning it as a potential engine for China’s manufacturing and IoT sectors.

Source: Observer Network · DaJu Finance