Existing customers of Huawei are safe, for now...
Google's decision to block future Huawei devices from all Android services once operating systems are updated, has sent shock waves around the tech world today.
Once the ban is implemented, Google has confirmed that Huawei customers will not be able to access the Play Store, including apps such as Google Maps and YouTube.
The blow comes after US President Donald Trump blacklisted the Chinese company over fears of spying on American networks - a claim which Huawei denies.
In a limited statement, the Chinese company which holds a 15% share in the global smartphone market, compared to 17% for Apple, said:
“Huawei has made substantial contributions to the development and growth of Android around the world. As one of Android’s key global partners, we have worked closely with their open-source platform to develop an ecosystem that has benefitted both users and the industry.
Huawei will continue to provide security updates and after-sales services to all existing Huawei and Honor smartphone and tablet products, covering those that have been sold and that are still in stock globally.
We will continue to build a safe and sustainable software ecosystem, in order to provide the best experience for all users globally.”
Current owners of Huawei phones will retain their access to the Play Store and continue being able to update their apps, Google has reassured.
In a brief statement on Sunday, Google said: "We are complying with the order and reviewing the implications. For users of our services, Google Play and the security protections from Google Play Protect will continue to function on existing Huawei devices."
