The ongoing US-China trade war is getting serious as Google has suspended Huawei’s license to use Android OS. This is big news for the smartphone industry all across the world as Huawei is one of the largest smartphone manufactures. In an official statement, Google has said that current Huawei phones will continue having access to services like Google Play and security from Google Play Protect but the new phones won’t have these features.
It is clear that no further Android security updates for devices new and old including the recent P30 and P30 Pro, Mate 20 Pro among many more.
For Huawei users' questions regarding our steps to comply w/ the recent US government actions: We assure you while we are complying with all US gov't requirements, services like Google Play & security from Google Play Protect will keep functioning on your existing Huawei device.
— Android (@Android) May 20, 2019
Why did this happen?
The decision came as the US government has added Huawei to the ‘Entity List’, which means that US companies cannot do business with Huawei without ‘explicit approval’ from the government.
So what this means for Huawei phones in the future?
For now, Android will continue to work as it does on Huawei phones. This is something great for those who are on Huawei phones. Huawei is now officially forbidden from buying parts and components from U.S. companies without U.S. government approval.
This is a massive blow if it continues for long. HiSilicon chip division, one of Huawei’s arms, had earlier stated that the company is preparing for the ban. Talking about Honor, a sub-brand of Huawei is unclear about what will happen to Honor 20 which has been set to launch on May 21 in London.
Also Read: Huawei Trolls Apple By Giving Free Power Banks To People Looking To Buy iPhones
Talking about the situation, Navkendar Singh, Research Director – Devices and Ecosystem, India and South Asia, IDC, Google said
“Globally of course it will have major impact since almost half of its business comes from outside China especially many markets in Europe. In India, as mentioned earlier they have never been able to scale up to be a major player. Huawei+Honor has around 4.5% market share in India. So, this will not have much impact as of now. But of course, considering the growth potential in India, this puts a spanner in the Huawei’s possible aggressive plans for India as the next growth market in next 2 – 3 years, outside of China,”
in an interview to indianexpress.com.
This one move can change the future of the smartphone industry as Huawei will quickly look to cope with the loss which the company will experience. Also, there is a big chance that Huawei will look to launch their own OS or partner with some other reliable brand.