Chinese Smartphone Brands Considering a Transition Away from Google Mobile Services-News-SeeMyPhone-Search for smartphones and cell phones

Image credit — AI generated

Recent reports have indicated that several leading Chinese smartphone manufacturers, including Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and OnePlus, are contemplating the development of Android operating system versions that do not rely on Google Mobile Services (GMS). The potential shift is believed to be influenced by geopolitical trade tensions and concerns about future restrictions, similar to those experienced by Huawei in the past. This proactive move is likely driven by the renewed trade conflicts between the U.S. and China, prompting these manufacturers to explore alternative strategies.

This move, coupled with the escalating trade disputes between the U.S. and China, has spurred these companies to prepare contingency plans.

Oppo and Vivo shops in a Chinese mall. | Image credit — tuchong.com

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It remains uncertain whether these companies will aim for compatibility with existing Android apps or follow Huawei's approach with HarmonyOS NEXT, which eliminates Android app support altogether. The potential incorporation of Huawei technologies such as the Ark Compiler or Petal Maps is also up in the air.

Global Ramifications and Challenges

The implications of such a transition would be significant, given the market positions of these manufacturers. Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo consistently rank among the top five smartphone vendors globally, and a shift away from GMS on devices sold internationally would disrupt the established Android ecosystem.

Google is facing antitrust and monopolistic challenges with the DOJ, potentially leading to the company having to divest part of its business. The smartphone industry is heating up, and consumers may either lose or benefit from these developments.