The Huawei sub-brand Honor has been making waves in the smartphone market with its affordable yet feature-packed devices. However, with the ongoing trade war between the US and China, many Honor fans are left wondering: how long will Honor be supported? In this article, we’ll delve into the current situation, explore the possible scenarios, and try to provide some answers to this burning question.
The Current Situation: Huawei’s Blacklisting And Honor’s Fate
In May 2019, the US Department of Commerce added Huawei to its Entity List, effectively banning American companies from doing business with the Chinese tech giant. This move was seen as a major blow to Huawei’s smartphone business, and by extension, its sub-brand Honor. The blacklisting meant that Huawei and Honor would no longer have access to essential components and services from US-based companies like Google, Qualcomm, and Intel.
However, in a surprising move, the US government granted Huawei a temporary general license that allowed it to continue buying components and services from American companies for a limited time. This reprieve has given Huawei and Honor some breathing room, but the uncertainty surrounding their future remains.
The Impact On Honor’s Smartphone Business
The blacklisting has had a significant impact on Honor’s smartphone business. With the temporary general license in place, Honor has been able to continue selling its existing devices, but the future of its new devices is uncertain. The company’s ability to access Google’s Android operating system, Google Play Services, and other essential components is critical to its success.
Without access to these components, Honor would need to find alternative solutions, which could be time-consuming and costly. This has led to speculation that Honor might need to develop its own operating system, similar to Huawei’s proprietary HarmonyOS.
Can Honor Survive Without Google’s Android?
While it’s possible for Honor to develop its own operating system, it would be a daunting task. Android is an open-source operating system, but Google’s proprietary services like Google Play Store, Google Maps, and Google Drive are an integral part of the Android ecosystem.
Without access to these services, Honor would need to find alternative solutions or develop its own equivalents. This could lead to a fragmented Android ecosystem, which might not be appealing to users who are accustomed to the seamless experience provided by Google’s services.
However, Honor has been working on its own operating system, known as Hongmeng OS, which is expected to be ready by 2022. This OS is expected to be compatible with Android apps, which would make the transition easier for users.
Scenarios: Possible Futures For Honor
Based on the current situation, there are several possible scenarios that could play out for Honor:
Scenario 1: Honor Continues To Operate Independently
In this scenario, Honor continues to operate independently, using the temporary general license to access essential components and services. The company would need to find alternative solutions for its future devices, which could include developing its own operating system or partnering with other companies.
This scenario is possible, but it would require significant investment and effort from Honor to develop its own ecosystem. The company would need to convince users to switch to its new operating system, which could be a challenging task.
Scenario 2: Honor Is Sold Or Mergered With Another Company
In this scenario, Honor is sold or merged with another company that has better access to essential components and services. This could provide Honor with the necessary resources to continue producing high-quality smartphones.
However, this scenario raises questions about Honor’s independence and brand identity. Would the new company be able to maintain the Honor brand’s essence, or would it be absorbed into the new entity?
Scenario 3: Honor Ceases Operations
In the worst-case scenario, Honor ceases operations due to its inability to access essential components and services. This would be a drastic move, but it’s possible if the trade war situation worsens or if Honor is unable to find a viable solution.
This scenario would be a significant blow to the smartphone market, as Honor has established itself as a reputable brand with a loyal customer base.
The Verdict: How Long Will Honor Be Supported?
Based on the current situation, it’s difficult to predict exactly how long Honor will be supported. However, there are a few things that are certain:
Honor will continue to operate for the foreseeable future, at least until the temporary general license expires. The company has already announced its plans for 2020, which include the release of new devices and continued investment in its existing products.
Honor is working on its own operating system, which could provide a long-term solution for its devices. The development of Hongmeng OS is a significant undertaking, but it could ultimately secure Honor’s future in the smartphone market.
The trade war situation is unpredictable, and any escalation could impact Honor’s operations. The ongoing trade war between the US and China is a complex issue, and any escalation could have significant implications for Honor’s ability to access essential components and services.
In conclusion, while the future of Honor is uncertain, there are reasons to be optimistic. The company’s determination to develop its own operating system and its commitment to its customers suggest that it will continue to operate for the foreseeable future. However, the trade war situation and the company’s access to essential components and services remain significant risks that could impact its operations.
Only time will tell how long Honor will be supported, but one thing is certain: the company will continue to fight for its place in the competitive smartphone market.
Will Honor Stop Working Immediately?
Honor devices will continue to work as usual, and users will still be able to access Google services such as Google Play Store, Google Maps, and Google Drive. However, Honor will not be able to push Android updates, which means that devices will not receive the latest security patches and features.
It’s worth noting that Honor has stated that it will continue to provide security updates and after-sales support for its devices, but the extent of this support is still unclear. It’s likely that Honor will prioritize support for its more recent devices, leaving older models vulnerable to security risks.
Can I Still Buy Honor Devices?
Yes, Honor devices will still be available for purchase, at least for the time being. Online retailers such as Amazon and brick-and-mortar stores will continue to sell Honor devices as long as they have stock. However, it’s likely that sales will slow down as consumers become wary of the brand’s uncertain future.
It’s worth considering that buying a new Honor device may not be the best idea, given the uncertainty surrounding the brand’s future. Without Android updates, devices may become outdated and vulnerable to security risks, which could leave users exposed to data breaches and other security threats.
What About Warranty And After-sales Support?
Honor has stated that it will continue to provide warranty and after-sales support for its devices, including repairs and replacement of defective parts. However, the extent of this support is still unclear, and it’s likely that Honor will prioritize support for its more recent devices.
It’s worth noting that warranty and after-sales support may vary depending on the region and country. In some cases, Honor may have partnerships with third-party service providers to offer support, while in others, users may be left to fend for themselves.
Will Honor Devices Get Android 11?
It’s unlikely that Honor devices will receive Android 11, given the company’s separation from Huawei and loss of Android license. While Honor may be able to push some Android updates, it’s unlikely that it will be able to deliver the latest version of Android.
It’s worth noting that some Honor devices may already be running Android 10, which means that they will not receive the latest features and security patches. Users may need to consider upgrading to a different brand or device to stay up-to-date with the latest Android versions.
Can I Root Or Install Custom ROMs On My Honor Device?
Yes, users will still be able to root or install custom ROMs on their Honor devices, at least for the time being. However, doing so may void the warranty and potentially cause security risks.
It’s worth noting that rooting or installing custom ROMs may not be supported by Honor or other manufacturers, and users may be on their own if they encounter any issues. Additionally, custom ROMs may not be optimized for Honor devices, which could lead to performance issues and instability.
Will Honor Release New Devices?
It’s unlikely that Honor will release new devices in the near future, given the company’s separation from Huawei and loss of Android license. While Honor may be able to release devices running alternative operating systems, it’s unlikely that these devices will be as popular or competitive as those running Android.
It’s worth noting that Honor has stated that it will continue to operate as an independent company, which means that it may explore new business opportunities and partnerships. However, the brand’s future is still uncertain, and it’s unclear what the company’s product roadmap will look like going forward.
What Are The Alternatives To Honor Devices?
There are several alternatives to Honor devices, including Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi. These brands offer a range of devices running Android, with features such as high-end processors, advanced cameras, and long battery life.
It’s worth doing some research and comparing different devices before making a purchase. Consider factors such as budget, features, and brand reputation, and read reviews to get a sense of each device’s pros and cons.