HarmonyOS allows you to install Google apps directly from AppGallery, Huawei's marketplace. This is possible in the latest update of the operating system, but everything indicates that – for now – it is only available from the Mate60 Pro series.
We do not know if this functionality will be extended to all Huawei devices, but at the moment it is a specific fact for this particular model. Let's learn more details about this discovery and what to really deal with.
What is HarmonyOS?
HarmonyOS is a operating system owned by the Chinese technology brand Huawei. It's about a open source, modular and cross-platform development that started, not as a replacement for Android but as an alternative after the United States government prohibited links between North American companies and Chinese companies.
These restrictions caused HarmonyOS to have access limitations to Google Play certifications, so the brand cannot natively install Google applications. You can do this by installing APK files.
To counteract this problem, the company has been working on HarmonyOS NEXT, a version of the HarmonyOS operating system that will be the definitive "excuse" to separate Huawei from Android and leave Google Mobile Services aside. The company has indicated that this version Will be compatible with Android apps outside of China
One of the currently known characteristics of HarmonyOS NEXT is that it will not work with the Linux kernel and on the contrary, it will use a personal one from Huawei. This implies that the operating system will use applications specially designed to run on this platform.
HarmonyOS allows you to install Google apps
Un Weibo user, a Chinese portal, has shown a photo indicating that it is now possible to install the GMS in the HarmonyOS AppGallery in version 4.0.0.162. This version of the operating system is available on the Huawei Mate60 Pro, so – for now – it is only possible to do it from this device.
An X user named Leszek Lesner has shown a tweet showing some installed Google apps, but indicates that both Google Wallet and Android Auto are not supported. Here the message:
#HarmonyOS 4.0.0.162 adds support for spoofing and adds microG in AppGallery. This means GMS working natively on #HuaweiMate60Pro #Mate60Pro
Very cool. Just Google Wallet+ Android Auto not working. Rest works fine. Probably will do a video. Same tech as in #EMUI 13.1 on #P60Pro pic.twitter.com/wlckXMOA8n— Leszek Lesner (@llelectronics) March 13, 2024
Given this news, some users have stated that HarmonyOS version 4.0.0.162/4.0.0.163 is available on Mate X5 series phones; That is, these devices will also have access to the GMS.
How to install GMS in the AppGallery
To have the GMS you just have to search and install the add-ons in the AppGallery. This gives us the option to add a Google account to the phone, in addition to accessing service notifications and running them instantly.
At the moment, it is unknown if this option will be extended to older Huawei devices that do not have permissions to access the GMS natively. Although it does not seem like something viable, it is good to have the doubt and know that the possibility exists. What opinion can you share on this topic in general and if you see it as viable to use a mobile phone without the Google service?