An Android without Google? China has plans

In recent years, China’s major smartphone manufacturers have taken bold steps toward building their own ecosystems, especially as geopolitical tensions with the U.S. have threatened their reliance on American tech. The idea of an Android alternative without Google is no longer far-fetched—and Huawei may already be pointing the way forward.

Huawei sets the benchmark

Huawei’s HarmonyOS has evolved from a response to U.S. sanctions into a full-fledged platform, now powering devices like the upcoming Mate 70 series. What began as a fork of AOSP is now shedding its Android roots, establishing a blueprint for other Chinese firms. This model proves that a non-Google ecosystem is viable—at least within China.

A potential alliance among rivals

Brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and Realme have reportedly discussed collaborating on a unified Android alternative. While no official announcements confirm this, the motivation to secure autonomy is growing. These companies already operate without Google in China, relying on AOSP and their own app stores—but a break from AOSP would mark a much bigger leap.

The challenge beyond China

Launching a Google-free OS globally remains a steep uphill battle. Outside China, Google services are indispensable, and Huawei’s struggle to regain global market share shows the difficulty. Still, by investing in IoT, cloud services, and personalized Android skins, Chinese manufacturers are laying the groundwork for potential independence.

The real question is whether increasing U.S. pressure or the desire for strategic control will tip the balance. For now, these tech giants are watching Huawei closely—but if tensions escalate, a unified Android without Google might become more than a contingency plan.