Months ago, everyone knew that HarmonyOS NEXT would be released in the fourth quarter of this year. With recent online leaks and statements from some Huawei executives, it is basically confirmed that it will be released in November. However, regular users don't have to wait for the official version to experience it, as there will be an open beta version before that. At yesterday's Huawei Autumn Full-Scenario Conference, although the absence of any news about the Mate 70 series disappointed many, Yu Chengdong still announced that the open beta date for HarmonyOS NEXT is set for October 8, the first working day after the National Day holiday.

Mobile phone users with some knowledge should know that once a system version enters the open beta stage, it means that the threshold for participation in the test is lowered, and more regular users can experience the new system. Moreover, at this stage, the development process has entered its final stages, and basically, no major issues should arise. According to the pattern of Apple's iOS system, there is roughly a 10-day transition period from the open beta to the official version.

As HarmonyOS NEXT is a brand-new system, in order to ensure maximum reliability, the transition period may be slightly longer, and the official version should be released around early November, which is generally in line with online leaks. As for the testable models, Huawei officially announced the Mate 60 series, Mate X5 series, and MatePad Pro 13.2 series. The testing for other models may be delayed. It can be seen that these three testable series are all high-end devices in Huawei's lineup, including traditional smartphones, foldable phones, and tablets.

The fact that it can be tested on three different types of products at the same time proves that the adaptation work of HarmonyOS NEXT is progressing very smoothly, and the entire ecosystem is already able to basically ensure the use of main products in this camp. Allowing only the Mate high-end series to participate in the first open beta basically indicates that HarmonyOS NEXT will debut on the next-generation Mate flagship. The official appearance of the software system also naturally indicates the appearance time of hardware devices. According to calculations, the probability of the Mate 70 being released in early November is quite high.

Regarding the debut and eventual full unveiling of HarmonyOS NEXT, Yu Chengdong expressed many emotions, claiming that Huawei has covered the same ground that its competitors took 10 years to traverse in just one year, implying the unimaginable difficulties encountered along the way. While strong execution can indeed accelerate the process, profitability is the most crucial factor attracting numerous developers to join the HarmonyOS NEXT camp. No one can ignore an ecosystem with hundreds of millions of devices, especially when its numbers are rapidly expanding.

Of course, like other systems, the open beta version of HarmonyOS NEXT will not be pushed out automatically. Users of the three mentioned device types need to apply for the experience themselves in 'My Huawei'. Since it is an open beta, as long as an application is submitted, it should be approved. As it is a beta version, it is still under testing, and users participating in the test can report issues in the official community. As for whether it can compete with iOS and Android, I personally believe that Huawei has the capability.

Lastly, I want to remind beta testers not to be rash like some iOS users who, upon encountering minor issues in the beta version, arbitrarily conclude that the entire system is unusable. This would only appear unreasonable.