Huawei Launches HarmonyOS 6 With AI Upgrades And N...

At its annual developer conference, Huawei officially unveiled HarmonyOS 6, the latest version of its proprietary operating system. Richard Yu, the company’s Executive Director, introduced the update, which brings enhancements in design, performance, and several new features — including a major focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and seamless device integration.

One of the key highlights is the Intelligent Agent Framework (HMAF), a new AI-based system that enables more natural interactions between users and their devices. At the heart of this is XiaoYi, an upgraded virtual assistant capable of understanding user intentions through natural language, eliminating the need for precise voice commands. The framework supports various tools such as ChatExcel (for managing spreadsheets via voice), Dianping Agent (for restaurant recommendations), and Code Flying Agent (for developing HarmonyOS apps).

XiaoYi also includes a feature similar to Google’s “Circle to Search,” allowing it to scan on-screen content and provide relevant information in real-time.

Another notable addition is Touch and Share, a new sharing method that allows users to transfer files or connect to games by simply bringing their smartphone close to a compatible computer screen. This feature currently works with selected Huawei PCs and smartphones, though it remains unclear if it will extend to non-Huawei devices.

HarmonyOS 6 also introduces the Super Privacy Mode, designed to enhance data protection. Activated with a single tap, it uses a triple-layer defense mechanism to safeguard the user’s environment against malicious apps and potential threats.

In a region-specific innovation for China, Huawei has partnered with the China National Petroleum Corporation to enable contactless payments at fuel stations and parking lots. This feature allows users to complete transactions without scanning QR codes or leaving their car, thanks to automatic pump detection and facial recognition for authentication.

Despite the HarmonyOS ecosystem still lagging behind Android and iOS in terms of app quantity, Huawei reports rapid growth. Over 30,000 native apps are currently in development, and the 5,000 already available are said to meet the needs of 99% of users, according to Yu.

The HarmonyOS 6 beta is now available to developers in China. Supported devices include the Huawei Mate 70/70 Pro, Mate 60/60 Pro, Mate X5, and tablets MatePad Pro 11″ (2024) and MatePad Pro 13.2″ (2025). Huawei has not yet announced global availability, but international expansion is expected in the near future.

Filed in Cellphones. Read more about AI (Artificial Intelligence), harmonyOS and Huawei.