Huawei’s HarmonyOS is undergoing optimizations that could allow it to operate on devices with as little as 64KB of RAM, a significant reduction from its current 128KB requirement. This enhanced memory efficiency, detailed by a Huawei executive, aims to expand the operating system’s ecosystem, particularly for low-power applications and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Expanding Ecosystem Reach
During a company keynote, an executive shared that HarmonyOS, Huawei’s microkernel-based platform, is being developed to run on minimal memory resources. While currently capable of operating on 128KB of RAM, further advancements are planned to reach the 64KB threshold. This level of optimization allows HarmonyOS to be tailored for devices with stringent memory constraints, where efficiency is paramount.
Yu Chengdong, identified as an executive, previously stated at the Huawei Developer Conference 2026 that HarmonyOS requires only 128KB of RAM to function across various platforms. This contrasts sharply with more resource-intensive operating systems like Windows and Android. The company’s strategic direction is focused on expanding its ecosystem by making HarmonyOS accessible to a wider range of devices.
Extended Battery Operation
Beyond memory optimization, HarmonyOS is also being engineered for exceptional power efficiency. The executive indicated that the operating system could potentially run for an entire year on a single dry cell battery. This capability is particularly relevant for IoT devices that are often equipped with limited power sources and require long operational periods without frequent recharging or battery replacement.
In conjunction with these software advancements, Huawei is also pursuing upgrades in its chip technology. The company is developing an architecture called LogicFolding, designed to increase chip density and clock speeds for improved performance. Huawei aims to achieve these hardware enhancements using existing DUV machinery, working alongside HarmonyOS to create a new technological ecosystem.
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
