In a surprising turn of events, Google has suspended business operations with Huawei effectively immediately. This is a forced move that will definitely impact Huawei devices across the globe.
According to Reuters, citing a source close to the matter, Google was forced into suspending business with Huawei that “requires the transfer of hardware and software products.”
“Huawei Technologies Co Ltd will immediately lose access to updates to the Android operating system, and the next version of its smartphones outside of China will also lose access to popular applications and services including the Google Play Store and Gmail app,” Reuters noted.
What this means for the Huawei device in your hand is that you won’t be getting any more Android security updates. The list includes old and new devices including the recent P30 series, Mate 20 series, and many more.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Commerce Department’s announcement placed Huawei and some 68 affiliates on a so-called Entity List, a trade blacklist, following an executive order signed by U.S. President Trump.
ZTE was a similar company that was put in the same list but was subsequently removed after. Over the course of 2018, this list was responsible for causing the company’s demise. Huawei is now effectively forbidden from buying parts and components from U.S. companies without U.S. government approval – and that includes Android.
If the story is accurate, it will be a massive blow to Huawei. One of Huawei’s arms, its HiSilicon chip division, had stated it has been preparing for this ban. Huawei has previously mentioned that it has been preparing for six years or more in case of any ban of Android for them.
HONOR is set to launch the Honor 20 on 21st May in London. At this point in time, we’re not sure how this will affect the company’s sub-brand.
Huawei has said in a statement earlier this week that it was “against the decision made by the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce.”
Source: Android Authority
