SafekipediaOpenHarmony
Adapted from Wikipedia ยท Discoverer experience
OpenHarmony, also known as OHOS or OH, is a family of open-source distributed operating systems. It was donated by Huawei to the OpenAtom Foundation. This operating system is designed with a layered architecture, which includes a kernel layer, a system service layer, a framework layer, and an application layer.
OpenHarmony is made up of free software and can be used as a complete operating system or in parts with other operating systems. It shares some principles from Huawei's LiteOS and is different from the standard Android operating system, as it is not based on AOSP source code. This makes it an interesting and flexible option for developers and users who want to explore new technologies in operating systems.
History
The first version of OpenHarmony was launched by the OpenAtom Foundation on September 10, 2020, after Huawei donated some open-source code. Development had started as early as 2015 inside Huawei with a special name, Project 543.
In December 2020, the OpenAtom Foundation and Runhe Software started the OpenHarmony project with help from Huawei and others. Later versions, like OpenHarmony 2.0 in June 2021, added support for many smart devices. OpenHarmony 3.0, launched in September 2021, brought improvements such as better file security and database support. In April 2021, a version for devices with up to 4 GB of memory became available. On August 10, 2022, a new kernel called UniProton was added to OpenHarmony. By September 15, 2025, the code moved to Gitcode for better tools and faster development.
Development
OpenHarmony uses a special tool called DevEco Studio to help people create apps. This tool includes many helpful features like a way to test and fix problems in the code, sample codes, and guides. Apps for OpenHarmony are built using something called ArkUI, which helps make the app look good on many different devices.
OpenHarmony can work on many types of devices, from small gadgets like printers and smartwatches to bigger devices like computers and smart TVs. It uses parts of the HarmonyOS system but is made to work with many different kinds of hardware. In January 2026, over one billion devices used OpenHarmony, and many people helped create it.
The system uses special ways to keep apps safe and make sure they can talk to each other, even if they are running on different devices. It also has tools to help developers test and fix their apps more easily. OpenHarmony works with many different types of computer chips, so apps can run smoothly no matter what kind of device they are on.
Hardware
OpenHarmony can run on many different kinds of devices with various types of processors, such as ARM, RISC-V, and x86. These devices can have a little bit of memory, like 128 KB, or a lot, like more than 1 MB.
It works well on three main types of devices:
- Mini system: Small devices like connection modules, sensors, and wearables. They need at least 128 KB of memory and use processors like ARM Cortex-M or 32-bit RISC-V.
- Small system: Devices such as IP cameras, routers, and event data recorders. They need at least 1 MB of memory and use processors like ARM Cortex-A.
- Standard system: Devices with more features, like better graphics, animations, and many parts. They need at least 128 MB of memory and also use ARM Cortex-A processors.
Timeline
OpenHarmony was first released on 10 September 2020 for devices with 128 KB to 128 MB of memory. In April 2021, it added support for smartphones and other devices with 128 MB to 4 GB of memory. Finally, in October 2021, it started supporting devices with more than 4 GB of memory.
Compatibility certification
The OpenAtom Foundation created rules to make sure devices using OpenHarmony work well together. They have a group that checks and approves products that follow these rules.
Partners can use a special logo on their approved products, packaging, and ads. There are two types of approvals: for development tools and software, and for actual equipment. In April 2022, 44 products were approved, and over 80 more were being checked to see if they work with OpenHarmony.
Software development
See also: HarmonyOS version history
Since OpenHarmony became open source between September 2020 and December 2021, over 1,200 developers and 40 organizations have helped by adding code to the project. Right now, OpenHarmony has grown to version 6.x.
| Version number | Release date | API level | Main features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | September 10, 2020 | 5 | Initial release. Support terminal devices with memory from 128KB to 128MB, based on LiteOS kernel foundation. |
| 1.1.0 long-term support version | April 1, 2021 | 5 | Add and upgrade subsystems to unify the artificial intelligence engine framework |
| 2.0 Canary version | June 2, 2021 | 6 | Support smart terminal devices with more than 128MB of memory, and introduce the Linux kernel as the technical base for standard system |
| 2.2 Beta version | September 4, 2021 | 6 | Possess typical distributed capabilities and media product development capabilities |
| 3.0 long-term support version | September 30, 2021 | 7 | New features and functions for lightweight, small and standard systems |
| 3.1 Beta version | December 31, 2021 | 8-9 | Enhance basic capabilities, system distribution capabilities, system application framework capabilities, and lightweight system capabilities, etc. |
| 3.2 Beta version 1 | May 31, 2022 | 8-9 | Enhance the basic capabilities of lightweight and standard systems, the framework capabilities of standard system applications, and the application capabilities of standard systems |
| 3.2 LTS | September 21, 2022 | 8-9 | Long-term support for OpenHarmony 3.2 version maintenance |
| 4.0 beta version 1 | June 3, 2023 | 10 | Improve the capabilities of the standard system and further improve the capabilities and effects of ArkUI components |
| 4.0 release version | October 26, 2023 | 10 | A large number of ArkTS APIs have been added, and the scope of distributed hardware support has been expanded |
| 4.1 beta 1 version | December 31, 2023 | 11 | New system capabilities by improving software architecture. Optimizations on ArkUI for component capabilities and effects. Enhancement on graphics window for dynamic effects and screen adaptation for different hardware. App framework improves extension capabilities, distributed soft bus connection, and more. Improvements to audio and camera frameworks on open-source code. |
| 4.1 release version | March 30, 2024 | 11 | 4,000 APIs have been added to provide developers with rich app development capabilities, the open capabilities of application development are presented in the Kit dimension, providing developers with clearer logic and scenario-based perspectives, openness and dynamic capabilities of ArkUI components have been further enhanced, the web capabilities have been continuously supplemented, making it easier for developers to quickly build applications using Web capabilities, and distributed capabilities have further enhanced stability of networking. Connection security, etc., media support for richer encoding, support for more refined broadcast control capabilities, etc. As well as ArkWeb software engine featured on HarmonyOS NEXT, replaces old nweb software engine that takes advantage of Chromium web browser and Blink browser engine. Core File Kit API enhanced Access token manager with on-device AI and capability-based features on OpenHarmony Distributed File System (HMDFS) system as well as Local file system with Application files, user files and system files taking advantage of TEE kernel hardware-level features interoperable with commercial HarmonyOS NEXT system cross-file sharing and accessing interactions. NFC provides HCE card emulation capabilities. Public Basic Class Library supports Thread Pools, "workers" within HSP and HAR modules of HAP apps. ArkGraphics 2D, 2D Draw API supported. |
| 4.1.1 release version | May 23, 2024 | 11 | Based on the OpenHarmony 4.1 Release, the current version fixes some issues that fix the stability of the system and enhances the stability of the system. Focused around small and lightweight systems of LiteOS RTOS kernel |
| 5.0 beta 1 version | May 25, 2024 | 12 | New APIs, improved and unified, completed ecosystem API and software framework stack around ArkUI and focus target on basic in-vehicle capabilities. The latest beta version is designed to further improve system performance, strengthen the secure base, and expand the capabilities of the distributed base. In this release, we focus on optimizing the development framework, enhancing the underlying platform functionality, improving the Ark compilation runtime, and enhancing the driver framework and power management. At the same time, we're also introducing new features for media processing, pan-sensor, and event notifications. |
| 5.0.0 release version | September 29, 2024 | 12 | New API 12 stable APIs. Application framework adds more lifecycle management capabilities and sub-process-related capabilities to schedule and manage task execution at application runtime in more granular manner. ArkUI further opens up rendering capability of custom nodes; Application package management improves efficiency of application packaging and enriches operational scenarios (such as creating application clones and desktop shortcuts) when end users use applications. The distributed data management capability further enhanced, security enhanced on the premise of ensuring reasonable data sharing, and adaptive sendable mechanism of other modules enhanced. |
| 5.0.1 release version | November 23, 2024 | 13 | API 13 improves the capabilities of the standard system and C API capabilities are enhanced. |
| 5.0.2 release version | January 23, 2025 | 14 | API 14 continues to improve the capabilities of standard system as an iteration. ArkUI and graphics are further enhanced. New window management capabilities and window lifecycle behaviors are added for 2-in-1 devices. Customization options for enterprise environment apps are added to support flexible management. |
| 5.0.3 release version | March 25, 2025 | 15 | ArkUI provides more advanced attribute settings of components and animations. For 2-in-1 devices, window management capability supports more types of device screens or windows. The Unified Data Management Framework (UDMF) of distributed data management improved with a new smart data platform to provide data intelligence on the device. More external devices, such as game controllers peripherals, are also supported. |
| 5.1.0 release version | May 4, 2025 | 18 | The ArkUI framework offers a broader range of component attribute settings, supports more sophisticated and visually appealing animations, and expands the capabilities of components that are called through C APIs. Media capabilities are enhanced with broader encoding and decoding support, refined playback control, and improved media session management. Application startup allows for more detailed configuration options. For distributed data management, data processing capabilities of the Unified Data Management Framework (UDMF) and the Relational Database (RDB) are further enhanced. The standard web capabilities are further refined in compliance with W3C standards. |
| 6.0 release version | September 7, 2025 | 20 | OpenHarmony 6.0 Release further enhances the capabilities of ArkUI framework components, providing more secure and flexible component layouts. It strengthens window capabilities by adding support for text display in windows. It improves distributed data management by supporting asset and asset group management, and enables applications to display standardized data. Also location services are enhanced alongside input method framework capabilities, among others. |
| 6.1 release version | March 9, 2026 | 23 | OpenHarmony 6.1 Release further enhances application development functions to support more refined control of apps, such as counting time it takes to start UIAbility and obtaining the number of notification corners and new navigation UI controls. Alongside richer ArkUI framework and system capabilities. |
Distributions
OpenHarmony is a very active open source project. As of September 2023, there are over 30 different versions of OpenHarmony that work with many areas like schools, money, smart homes, cars, and government services.
Several companies have made their own versions of OpenHarmony for special uses. For example, Huawei made MineHarmony OS for use in coal mines. Midea made an operating system for smart home devices. There are also versions for space technology, transportation, and many other fields. Each version is designed to work with different kinds of equipment and chips, helping to connect many devices together.
Oniro Project
In September 2021, the Eclipse Foundation and the OpenAtom Foundation announced a partnership to work together on a global family of operating systems called OpenHarmony European distro. Oniro OS, or simply Oniro, is a distributed operating system for smart devices and embedded systems. It was launched in October 2021 and is designed to work with the OpenHarmony system.
Oniro uses a Linux kernel and aims to be open, clear, and work well with many different devices. It helps connect many types of devices and supports tools for developers. In May 2024, work began to use Oniro on the Volla Phone X23 to make it easier to use different hardware and improve security. In September 2025, Jolla announced a way for Oniro devices to run Android apps directly, helping more people use the system. The Oniro project continues to grow, with new versions released regularly to improve and support more devices around the world.
| OpenHarmony version | Release date | API level |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0 LTS | September 28, 2021 (release base: October 26, 2021) | 7 |
| 3.2 LTS | 2022 | 8-9 |
| 3.2 release | December 30, 2023 | 9 |
| 4.0 | September 11, 2024 | 10 |
| 4.1 | January 13, 2025 | 11 |
| 5.0.0 release version | January 12, 2025 | 12 |
| 5.0.2 release version | April 14, 2025 branch | 14 |
| 5.0.3 release version | April 7, 2025 branch | 15 |
| 5.1.0 release version | August 5, 2025 | 18 |
| 6.0 release version | October 7, 2025 | 20 |
HarmonyOS
See also: HarmonyOS 5 and HarmonyOS
Huawei shared news about a new system called HarmonyOS NEXT at a meeting in August 2023. This system works only with special apps made just for it and is built using parts from OpenHarmony. It does not work with regular phone apps.
In January 2024, Huawei said that HarmonyOS NEXT would start being used on some phones later in 2024. By June 2024, they let more developers try it out. In October 2024, Huawei officially launched HarmonyOS 5, which fully uses OpenHarmony and works with many new apps and devices.
This new system is different from older versions and does not rely on Android anymore. It includes over 15,000 apps made just for it.
Relationship with OpenEuler
See also: EulerOS
OpenHarmony and HarmonyOS share a close connection with OpenEuler, a server-based operating system. They work together by sharing technology for the kernel, which is the core part of an operating system. This sharing will grow stronger in the future, especially in areas like data sharing, app frameworks, and system security.
HMDFS, a system for storing and handling large amounts of data, is also used in the OpenEuler server operating system.
Developer Kit Devices
Several development boards now support OpenHarmony. In October 2020, the Hi3861 based HiSpark WiFi IoT board was released with OpenHarmony, along with LiteOS. Later, in November 2021, Raspberry Pi was ported to OpenHarmony 3.0, followed by the Zilong board with a MIPS architecture and 1c300B chip in December 2021.
More boards joined in the following years. The HiHope HH-SCDAYU200, using Rockchip's RK3568 processor, was released in May 2022. In September 2022, HopeRun launched a board with a HiSilicon Hi3861V100 32-bit RISC-V microcontroller. Many other boards, such as the Unionpi Lion and HH-SCDAYU210, have also been updated to run OpenHarmony.
Related articles
This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on OpenHarmony, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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