Huawei launches HarmonyOS 7 with 'spatial effect' and AI enhancements

Huawei has officially launched its latest operating system, HarmonyOS 7, during its annual developer conference. The new OS introduces a refreshed visual experience called ‘spatial effect’ and more optimally integrated artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. According to a Gizmochina report on Friday, Huawei stated that the new system version is also designed to provide more integrated interaction across its entire device ecosystem, from smartphones and tablets to PCs and wearables. The company has sought to bring a three-dimensional effect throughout the system, including a lock screen that blends seamlessly with the wallpaper. This new look also introduces novel lighting effects, adding motion and depth to the design of buttons, sliders, and other on-screen elements. In terms of AI enhancements, HarmonyOS 7 marks Huawei’s first operating system built around a comprehensive AI architecture, rather than simply adding AI features on top. The upgraded Celia AI assistant is now positioned as a system-level intelligence hub capable of understanding user intent, performing multi-step actions, and engaging in deeper interactions with applications and services. Huawei also introduced the HarmonyOS Intelligent Agent Framework 2.0, which it claims can boost the task completion rate for complex requests to over 90 per cent. The update further expands AI capabilities across the OS, particularly in content creation, with smarter photo editing tools and improved system-level assistance. Huawei noted that its AI assistant can now support a wider range of in-app commands and respond more effectively to natural language requests. Alongside the AI improvements, HarmonyOS 7 introduces a new anti-fraud platform designed to protect users from common scams. The system can identify suspicious QR codes, detect potentially fraudulent web pages, flag attempts to impersonate applications, and recognise spoofed international phone numbers. According to Huawei, HarmonyOS 7 delivers up to 15 per cent better performance than the previous generation while keeping long-term system load growth under control. The company has also confirmed the devices eligible for the HarmonyOS 7 developer beta programme. Starting today, the developer beta is available for devices including the Huawei Mate 80 Pro, Mate X7, Mate XT Master, Pura 90 Pro Max, Pura X, Pura X Collector’s Edition, and nova 15 Pro. Developers with supported devices can begin testing HarmonyOS 7 immediately, while the stable version is expected to roll out later this year. The Huawei Mate 90 series, anticipated to launch in China in September, will be the first smartphone to ship with the stable version of HarmonyOS 7.