Huawei’s next generation of smartphones will not be able to use Google apps and services under the current US trade ban, Google has said.
The Chinese firm is expected to launch its new Mate 30 line of smartphones in the autumn.
However, Google has told the Reuters news agency that, under the current US restrictions on trade with Huawei, the new phones cannot be sold with licensed apps such as Google Maps or Gmail which form part of its Android operating system.
Huawei uses Google’s Android operating system to power its line-up of smartphones.
The US government restricted American companies from selling products and services to Huawei in May, citing national security concerns, which Huawei rejects.
President Donald Trump said last month that some exemptions would be allowed.
But US officials have not granted any licences to trade with Huawei, despite receiving more than 130 requests.
The Android operating system is open-source software, so any manufacturer can offer it on their smartphone or tablet.
But companies need an agreement with Google to include its popular apps such as Maps, Pay, Search, Photos, Play Store and YouTube.
Google has not said whether it has applied for permission to offer its apps to Huawei.
Huawei said in a statement: “Huawei will continue to use the Android OS and ecosystem if the US government allows us to do so. Otherwise, we will continue to develop our own operating system and ecosystem.”
It has set up a website named Huawei Answers to address consumer concerns about the company’s relationship with Android.
“Anyone who has already bought, or is about to buy a Huawei smartphone, can continue to access the world of apps as they have always done. All devices continue to be covered by our manufacturer’s warranty and will receive full service support accordingly”, the company said.
