This archive report was first published on 3 September 2019.
Published on September 3, 2019, Google confirmed reports that it couldn't license its apps to Huawei, the world's second-largest seller of phones, following the ongoing ban by the US government.
Although there's a new 90-day reprieve allowing Huawei to continue sending updates to launched devices, this doesn't apply to yet-to-be-launched phones like the Mate 30. This means the upcoming flagship will likely be the first Huawei device to launch without Google Apps.
What's the Impact of Lacking Google Apps? ¶
For most people, the answer is yes, it's a bad thing. Without Google Apps, your phone won't have access to familiar services like Maps, YouTube, and Gmail. This may also make your device more vulnerable to attacks.
However, the long answer is no, it's not a significant issue. You can still download and install Google Apps directly, as Android is an open-source operating system. This means you can install the Google Play Store APK and access other Google Apps, or use third-party markets like Aptoide.
Additionally, Huawei's EMUI has an anti-virus scanner built-in, providing an extra layer of security. For those who want a phone free from Google Services, there's even an upcoming operating system called /e/OS that aims to rid users of Google Services.
Ultimately, lacking pre-installed Google Apps on your Huawei Phone won't affect the core features that make these devices great, such as cameras, performance, battery life, design, and value for money.
