The wait is over for countless Huawei fans. After its grand unveiling in June, Huawei has officially opened the public beta program for its most significant software update to date: HarmonyOS 6. This isn't just another incremental upgrade; it represents the full commercial realization of what was previously known as HarmonyOS NEXT—a completely independent operating system built from the ground up on Huawei's own kernel, severing its final ties with Android's AOSP foundation.
This move solidifies Huawei's vision for a self-reliant software ecosystem, and the first wave of users in China can now experience it firsthand. But what makes HarmonyOS 6 so different, and is your device on the list? We have the full breakdown.
More Than a Fresh Coat of Paint: The AI-Powered Heart of HarmonyOS 6
While users will immediately notice a visually refined interface with smoother animations, new lockscreen customization, and a generally snappier performance, the true revolution of HarmonyOS 6 lies in its deep, pervasive integration of Artificial Intelligence.
The star of the show is the newly introduced XiaoYi personal assistant. Huawei is billing it not just as a voice helper, but as an intelligent "smart partner" that understands context and acts proactively. Imagine an assistant that can autonomously execute complex, multi-step tasks—like planning a trip by cross-referencing your calendar, booking flights, and suggesting itineraries without you micromanaging every step.
XiaoYi is also equipped with powerful research organization capabilities and a particularly noteworthy "Sees the World" feature, designed to act as a visual aid for visually impaired users by describing surroundings, reading text, and identifying objects through the device's camera.
Fortifying Your Digital Life: Proactive Security and Cross-Platform Smarts
In an age of increasingly sophisticated digital scams, HarmonyOS 6 fights back with AI-powered security. The system includes proactive anti-fraud protection that can detect and warn users of potential scam calls, even identifying sophisticated AI face-swap attempts used in fraudulent video calls.
A clever and privacy-focused addition is the new anti-peep feature. Using the front-facing camera, the phone can detect when someone else is looking over your shoulder and automatically hide sensitive notification content or private messages, ensuring your data stays yours alone.
In a surprisingly open move, HarmonyOS 6 will also bridge the gap between ecosystems by supporting seamless file transfers between Huawei devices and Apple's iPhones, iPads, and Macs, making cross-platform sharing less of a headache.
Is Your Device Eligible? The Complete HarmonyOS 6 Beta Rollout Schedule
The public beta is currently exclusive to China, but it's rolling out in waves. Here’s the complete device list for the various beta phases.
Wave 1: Public Beta (Rolling Out Now - October 2025)
This initial wave covers Huawei's most recent and popular devices.
- Smartphones: Huawei Mate 70, Mate 60, Pura 80, Pura 70, Nova 14, Nova 13, Nova 12.
- Foldables: Huawei Mate X6, Mate X5 series, Pura X series, Pocket 2 Series, Nova Flip, Nova Flip S.
- Tablets: Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 (2025 & 2023), MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024), MatePad 11 Pro (2024).
Wave 2: Closed Beta (October 2025)
A select group of users with the following premium hardware are participating in a simultaneous closed beta.
- Phones & Laptops: Huawei Mate XT, Mate XT Ultimate Design, MateBook Pro.
- Tablets: Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 (2025).
- Wearables & Audio: Huawei Watch 5, Watch GT 5 Series, FreeBuds 6, FreeBuds 7i, FreeArc.
Wave 3: Later Beta Rollout (November - December 2025)
A broader set of devices is scheduled to join the beta program before the end of the year.
- Phones: Huawei Nova 14 Lite (Vitality Edition), Enjoy 70X.
- Tablets: Huawei MatePad Mini, MatePad Air (2024 & 2025), MatePad 11.5S (2024 & 2025).
- Wearables & Audio: Huawei Watch Fit 4 Series, FreeBuds Pro 4, FreeClip 2, FreeClip.
How to Get the HarmonyOS 6 Beta on Your Device
If you're in China and have an eligible device, you can manually sign up for the public beta through a straightforward process:
- Open the "My Huawei" app on your device.
- Navigate to the "HarmonyOS 6 Beta Registration" section.
- Select your specific device model and submit your registration.
For the most direct source of information, always check the official Huawei portal. You can find detailed announcements and guides on the HarmonyOS 6 official page.
The Catch: A China-Only Beta for Now
It's crucial to note that this entire beta schedule is specific to mainland China. Huawei has not yet announced any timeline for a global rollout of HarmonyOS 6. This means users in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and other regions will have to wait for further official announcements from the company regarding an international release.
The launch of the HarmonyOS 6 public beta marks a pivotal moment for Huawei. It’s the first real-world test of a mature, fully independent operating system that aims to compete directly with iOS and Android on its own terms. The focus on contextual AI and robust security sets a compelling foundation, and the tech world will be watching closely to see how it performs.
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