HUAWEI has been banned from using any Google app on its next major smartphone release.
It’s the first real impact of the US trade ban on phone owners, who may be put off buying the upcoming Huawei Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro phones.
Both handsets were expected to launch on September 18.
But Google has now confirmed that neither phone will be able to run any of its apps or services, as first reported by Reuters.
That includes Google Maps, Google Chrome, Google Photos and Google Chrome.
However, it also includes the all-important Google Play Store, where most phone owners download all of their apps from.
Earlier this year, Huawei became a casualty of the ongoing trade war between the US and China.
In May, President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning “foreign adversaries” (like Huawei) from the US telecomms industry.
This order was delayed by three months to allow Huawei to take action “necessary to provide service and support, including software updates or patches, to existing Huawei handsets that were available to the public on or before May 16, 2019”.
And Huawei has just received a second 90-day extension, which is due to end on November 19.
However, that extension only applies to phones already released – and not new upcoming models.
The Huawei Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro won’t be exempt, and will be blocked from using Google apps.
Here's what you need to know...
There’s also another possible worry for Huawei users: lack of phone updates.
Android is an operating system that powers everything on your phone – like Windows on your PC, or macOS on your Apple Mac.
Google builds Android, but it’s an “open-source” software, which means anyone can access it and create gadgets with it – even you.
However, Google offers up early access to newer versions of Android to manufacturers.
This means the new version of Android – which is called Android 10 – potentially wouldn’t be available to Huawei immediately.
Huawei could still get Android 10 on its phones eventually, once the update enters the public Android Open-Source Project.
But there could be a significant delay in the roll-out.
Huawei hasn’t formally announced the Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro.
So even though a September launch is mooted, this could potentially be delayed.
Huawei is developing its own operating system to rival Google’s Android however, so could fall back on that if all else fails.
“The well publicised concerns raised by national governments is starting to trickle down onto the high street. Consumers are starting to become aware and therefore more conscious what smartphone to sign up to,” said PP Foresight analyst Paolo Pescatore, speaking to The Sun.
“In light of these ongoing concerns, it makes perfect sense for Huawei to work on its own platform and services (which it is doing) given its vast resources.
“It can not afford to lose further ground in the race for 5G innovation and leadership.
“Unfortunately for Huawei, it has found itself at the centre of a global geo-political tussle between China and the US. In reality, Huawei has proved to be a key leading partner for telcos in the rollout of 5G.
“Any further delays and bans will further impact the rollout and deployment of 5G services.”
We’ve asked Google for comment and will update this story with any response. Huawei declined to comment.
The new Huawei P30 Pro was recently caught up in a “spying” controversy thanks to its unique 50x super-zoom feature.
The Chinese tech giant recently vowed to enter the TV market too, with the world’s first “5G 8K television”.
Huawei has also rocked the mobile world with its pricey £2,000 Mate X foldable smartphone.
Would this news put you off buying a Huawei phone? Let us know in the comments!
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