Google’s mobile services might be coming back to Huawei phones, claims new rumor

Google might return to Huawei phones after several industry sources have claimed to have evidence of Google’s services running on Huawei devices.

There’s a lack of credible information at this point, but we do know that Huawei has emerged as a strong force on its home turf. US export controls, which were meant to squeeze China’s access to advanced semiconductors, have not only proved ineffective but have also fueled self-sufficiency in Chinese chipmaking markets.

Google may look towards a strategic return to Huawei phones to stall China’s growth in global markets

In an unconfirmed rumour, it has been noted that Google may bring its services back to China, specifically to Huawei devices. Not only did the removal of GMS (Google Mobile Services) from Huawei devices in 2019 lead to the accelerated development of HarmonyOS, but it also hurt the very objective of the sanctions: to cut back the growth of the US’s technological rivals.

While users of Huawei devices can, in theory, run Google apps via third-party services like Lighthouse and GBox to access Gmail or YouTube, much of the functionality is restricted. This move from Google could be a step to curb Huawei’s rising dominance, and for the Chinese tech giant, it could mean a step back into the global markets.

It’s important to note that the news is simply a rumour at this point, and Google China has denied such claims on its official Weibo channels. Even without Google services, though, Huawei has risen to the top in China, closing in on Xiaomi to take the top spot.