While trying to figure out if the clash can find a diplomatic solution, Huawei reassures its users. What changes for those who already have a smartphone
Primary objective: to reassure and retain customers.
Analyzing the moves of these last days of Huawei, it is clear that the Chinese manufacturer intends to do everything in its power to avoid a diaspora of users that would jeopardize its very survival.
After the stop of Android updates and the interruption of commercial relations with other U.S. companies, in fact, the Chinese company is going through a complex phase, to say the least. Nevertheless, those who already own a Huawei device should not worry too much. As already explained, in fact, users of the Chinese house will be minimally affected (or not affected at all) by the ongoing turmoil. Let's see why.
Operating System Updates
The stop by Google (and other US companies) is not retroactive. This means that devices on the market today will continue to receive support and OS updates until the user decides to get rid of them. Google, moreover, will have to guarantee the full functioning of all the apps in its ecosystem: the Play Store will continue to be accessible, while users will be able to use all the other platforms (such as Google Drive, or Google Docs) of the Mountain View house.
The apps
It's true: Facebook and WhatsApp will no longer be installed by default on Huawei smartphones. But that doesn't mean they will no longer be able to be used. Those who will buy the Chinese company's phones, in fact, will be able to safely download them from the Play Store and, after August 19, from AppGallery. More importantly, those who already have a Huawei device with Facebook or WhatsApp installed will not have to worry about anything: they will be able to continue using them without any problem.
The future
What will happen in a few months is inscrutable, or almost. The only certainty is that until August 19, Huawei will be able to continue selling smartphones with Android pre-installed, with all that that entails. From that date on, it's a bit of a leap. It seems that the Chinese manufacturer is making a new operating system (which should be called Ark in Europe), but it won't be ready until the last quarter of this year (October or November).
Also, Huawei is inviting third-party developers to "move" to its AppGallery, a sort of alternative store for apps where you can already find WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and some of the most used apps on the market. In this way, users could continue to use the same apps they usually use even when the relationship with Google (and Android) ends.