When it comes to operating systems, what comes to mind? Windows is likely the first thought, followed by Android.

After all, these two systems are deeply ingrained. Currently, Windows monopolizes 80% of the PC market, while Android dominates over 70% of the smartphone market, making them the kings of the PC and mobile operating system realms, respectively.

Over the years, domestic manufacturers in the PC and smartphone sectors have launched multiple attempts to challenge Windows and Android, but nearly all have failed, unable to shake their dominance.

However, there is now a mobile operating system that can be considered a success.

To date, this mobile operating system has ranked third globally, with installations exceeding 1.3 billion, truly forming a Chinese force.

This operating system is HarmonyOS. Its open-source HarmonyOS ecosystem devices have accumulated over 1.35 billion, and pure-blood HarmonyOS 6 terminal devices have surpassed 80 million, ranking third globally, just behind Android and iOS.

HarmonyOS was first released in 2019, but at the time, it was relatively rudimentary, hastily launched under U.S. sanctions.

Initially, it was only used for smart screens and not for smartphones, tablets, cars, or other devices. It was just a framework, not fully fleshed out, and lacked its own ecosystem in the early stages, relying on compatibility with Android's ecosystem to form its own.

However, HarmonyOS gradually expanded from smart screens to watches, then to smartphones, tablets, cars, IoT, computers, and other devices, fulfilling its initial promise of true Internet of Everything, where only one system is needed for all devices.

At the same time, HarmonyOS has built its own ecosystem, gradually separating from Android and no longer compatible with it, becoming a truly independent operating system.

Data shows that the HarmonyOS ecosystem now has 11 million registered developers, over 400,000 available apps and services, and the number of developers, apps, and devices in use continues to grow.

In the global market, HarmonyOS holds about a 5% share, while in China, it has captured over a 20% share. HarmonyOS is no longer the "nascent" system it once was but has become the world's third-ranked mobile operating system capable of competing with Android and iOS.