Quick hits: January 2025

Huawei unveils Mate 70: the smartphone with HarmonyOS next

Huawei has launched the latest edition of its flagship smartphone series, the Mate 70, powered by HarmonyOS Next, an operating system entirely developed in-house by the Chinese tech giant. “Today, the long-awaited Mate 70, the most powerful one yet, is here,” said Richard Yu, Executive Director of Huawei’s Consumer Business Group, during the launch event in Shenzhen, where the company’s headquarters are located. Additionally, the Mate 70 is the first traditional smartphone to feature a satellite pager system, an enhanced processor, and run on the in-house developed HarmonyOS Next, Yu added.

“All new smartphones and pads for 2025 will feature the new HarmonyOS system,” Yu continued, noting that the Mate 70, with pre-orders starting on November 18, has already seen 3.34 million reservations, according to the company’s online shopping platform, despite not requiring a purchase commitment. The new operating system, fully developed within the company, marks a pivotal step in Huawei’s challenge to rival the dominance of Western tech giants, from Apple’s iOS to Google’s Android, which are currently used in the vast majority of mobile phones worldwide.

The Chinese tech giant is aiming to shake things up with its new Mate 70 devices, also confronting the technology block imposed on it by the U.S. during Donald Trump’s first administration. The launch marks a significant turn in Huawei’s fortunes, which were severely impacted by prolonged U.S. sanctions in recent years, but the company has since bounced back with strong sales growth and a diversification of its business. In this context, finding a viable and scalable mobile operating system largely free from Western corporate control has been a top priority. The new smartphone, also powered by an advanced domestically produced chip, demonstrates that Chinese tech companies are keeping pace.

The 2025 AI transformation in the smartphone industry

The smartphone industry is on the verge of a significant transformation, with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) set to reshape the market in 2025. Analysts predict a substantial rise in smartphone shipments next year, driven by the growing demand for AI-powered features that will shape consumer preferences. This new wave of innovative technology is highly anticipated by users and is expected to lead to unprecedented growth in the sector. Industry experts forecast a major increase in smartphone sales, driven by the widespread adoption of AI features. The rising demand for AI-enabled devices is linked to the ability of AI to enhance user experience, offering advanced capabilities like intelligent content generation. This trend is poised to redefine the smartphone landscape, ushering in a new era of smart and intuitive mobile devices. Market predictions suggest that the smartphone sector is ready for exponential growth, fueled by the increasing popularity of AI-integrated smartphones. With AI