Huawei’s homegrown HarmonyOS has extended its lead over Apple’s iOS in the Chinese smartphone market for the sixth consecutive quarter, securing a 17% market share in Q2 2025 compared to iOS’s 16%, according to Counterpoint Research. Android remains unchallenged with 66% dominance, but HarmonyOS’s consistent outperformance—starting from Q4 2024—signals Huawei’s remarkable recovery in its home turf, driven by strong sales of devices like the Mate 70 and Nova 14 series. For tech analysts, investors, and mobile OS watchers searching HarmonyOS vs iOS China Q2 2025, Huawei market share surge, or Chinese smartphone trends, this milestone underscores Beijing’s push for tech self-reliance amid US sanctions, with HarmonyOS now powering 17 million devices on its “pure blood” NEXT version. Globally, HarmonyOS holds a steady 4% share, but in China, it’s the second-largest OS, reflecting patriotic consumer support and government subsidies.
The Q2 data, released in September 2025, marks HarmonyOS’s narrow but growing edge, up from 19% in Q4 2024 when it first overtook iOS at 17%.
Q2 2025 Market Share Breakdown: HarmonyOS Edges Ahead
Counterpoint’s Q2 2025 report shows Android’s iron grip intact at 66%, but the battle for second place intensifies between HarmonyOS and iOS. HarmonyOS’s 17% share—fueled by Huawei’s 18.1% device sales in Q4 2024 carrying forward—reflects a 2% lead over iOS, a gap that has held or widened since overtaking in late 2024.
| Operating System | Q2 2025 Market Share | QoQ Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android | 66% | Stable | Dominant with local variants |
| HarmonyOS | 17% | +1% | Sixth quarter lead over iOS |
| iOS | 16% | -1% | iPhone sales dip amid competition |
This marks the sixth straight quarter of HarmonyOS topping iOS, starting from Q4 2024 when it hit 19% to iOS’s 17%. Globally, Android leads at 74%, iOS at 22%, and HarmonyOS at 4%.
Drivers Behind HarmonyOS’s Domestic Dominance
Huawei’s resurgence in China stems from a mix of innovation, policy support, and consumer loyalty:
- Device Sales Surge: Huawei reclaimed the #1 spot in Q4 2024 with 18.1% market share, driven by the Mate 60 Pro’s domestic 5G chip and Nova 13/14 series. HarmonyOS NEXT, launched in 2024 as a “pure blood” Android-free OS, now powers 17 million devices.
- Government Subsidies: CNY 500 ($70) incentives for smartphones under CNY 6,000 ($800) boost Huawei adoption, framing HarmonyOS as a “national champion.”
- Patriotic Rally: Post-sanctions, consumers supported Huawei, with 15,000+ apps ready for HarmonyOS 4/5 at launch.
- Ecosystem Growth: 1 billion+ HarmonyOS devices (mostly IoT) and 7 million developers bolster the platform.
Counterpoint’s Varun Mishra noted: “HarmonyOS adoption will continue to rise, thanks to government-backed subsidies.”
Global vs. Domestic: HarmonyOS’s China-Centric Rise
While HarmonyOS holds a modest 4% global share in early 2025, its China dominance is stark—second to Android since overtaking iOS. Globally, Android commands 74-80%, iOS 19-22%.
Challenges include app ecosystem gaps (20 pre-installed apps, ads) and developer hurdles (ID registration, Chinese permits). HarmonyOS NEXT’s Android incompatibility may limit global appeal.
Implications: Huawei’s Home Win and Global Hurdles
HarmonyOS’s China lead bolsters Huawei’s resilience post-sanctions, with Q2 2025’s 17% share reflecting sustained momentum. Globally, it remains niche at 4%, but domestic success could inspire exports.
- For Huawei: Validates self-reliance; NEXT’s 30% fluency boost aids retention.
- Market Dynamics: Pressures iOS (17% in China); Android’s 66% unchallenged.
- Future Outlook: HDC 2025 unveiled HarmonyOS 6 beta; subsidies sustain growth.
Conclusion: HarmonyOS’s Enduring China Edge
Huawei’s HarmonyOS beating iOS for the sixth quarter in Q2 2025 with 17% share cements its domestic resurgence, a testament to innovation and policy amid sanctions. As iOS slips to 16%, the OS’s global 4% foothold hints at broader potential. For those tracking Chinese mobile OS 2025, HarmonyOS’s trajectory tempts: Will NEXT conquer worldwide, or stay a national star? The ecosystem evolves. reddit
