Huawei’s mobile OS could be named Kirin OS

Jun 24, 2016 15:56 GMT  ·  By

We've recently reported that Huawei might be planning to develop its own mobile operating system, in order to reduce its dependence on Google’s Android. The smartphone developer has already started co-opting ex-Nokia employees, and the company might even be working on speeding up the development process.

Huawei’s CEO has reportedly decided to address rumors on the company working on its own OS, to possibly replace Google’s Android OS. GizmoChina informs us that Huawei CEO Richard Yu has made some comments on his Weibo account.

He mentions that Android has always promoted the development of smartphones, with an emphasis on customer satisfaction. He also stresses that Huawei will keep using Android on its handsets as long as Google maintains the openness of Android OS. Considering that the company is working on its own OS, the CEO might have some doubts about the Mountain View-based giant keeping its end of the bargain.

Huawei’s mobile OS could be named Kirin OS

Rumor has it that Huawei’s upcoming OS could be called Kirin, but the CEO hasn’t made any comments on this. Reports also indicate that Huawei has gone as far as to co-opt engineers from other brands so that they can speed up the development of its OS.

Until the mobile OS is ready for unveiling, Huawei is expected to release the next EMUI version this fall. EmotionUI 5.0 will resemble stock Android, after previous versions seemed to have taken some design ideas from Apple’s iOS, or at least when it came to app icons.

As it turns out, Huawei isn’t the only smartphone manufacturer that’s considering straying from Google’s OS. Samsung is rumored to have increased its investments in Tizen OS, featured on some of its devices. The South Korean company seems a bit more determined to stop using Android on all devices that it produces, especially flagship series like the Galaxy S series.