I am building a tutoring app for a Chinese client and they are now freaking out. I don't think they should worry, Huawei needs Android and vice versa, they will work it out.
Can you expound on the ways that Android needs Huawei?
Huawei is the 2nd largest smartphone vendor in the world. If it switches to something else android may not have the endorsement it once had and people will probably be tempted to try the other OS, IMHO.
So, you're suggesting that Huawei will develop (possibly from scratch, or from AOSP) and ship a competing mobile OS, create an app ecosystem around it, and maintain their market share... Rather than customers just moving to a different OEM that still has seamless access to android, google play services, and all their apps?
My guess for the worst case scenario is that huawei would develop a new OS from AOSP to completely detach itself from Google.
that would actually work, those who want google can side load it (if the bootlader is unlocked of corse), the otheers will use it as it is.
Lot of people would love that, an android without google. we just might be underestimating that market.
I'm curious why you think this. There's been several attempts at a Googleless Android based phone and as far as I'm aware none have achieved noticeable market share. At least not the kind needed for Huawei.
Huawei is allegedly opting for an android based OS. which takes off the biggest drawback of alt OS, android app compatibility. you can just side load via apk a normal app and you are good to go (given zero dependency on GS etc...)
Chinese phones have their own app ecosystem. It would be much easier in Asia than you think.