Joyce Kuo
- Senior Marketing Manager, Approov
As Chinese smartphone manufacturers, like Realme, Oppo, Honor, and Huawei, make significant strides in Europe and other global markets, developers must broaden their scope to include non-GMS Android and HarmonyOS platforms. The days of concentrating solely on Apple, Google, or Samsung ecosystems are fading fast. This global perspective is not just about market reach; it's also about embracing a broader security and privacy posture across diverse operating environments.
The Expanding Role of Chinese Smartphone Makers
Chinese smartphone brands are no longer confined to low-cost devices. Companies like Realme and Honor now lead innovation in premium technology, particularly foldable phones. Honor recently overtook Samsung in foldable smartphone sales in Western Europe, a testament to their growing influence in advanced mobile technology. This evolution presents both a challenge and an opportunity for app developers. These devices often operate on alternative ecosystems such as Android forks or Huawei's HarmonyOS, which differ significantly from Google's GMS environment.
Ignoring these platforms risks alienating a rapidly growing user base while exposing mobile apps to inconsistent security compliance standards. The proprietary ecosystems of Apple and Google may offer robust built-in defenses, but they fall short of addressing the nuances of non-GMS environments.
The Importance of Security in a Diversified Ecosystem
Apple and Google’s monopolistic control over their ecosystems has been widely criticized for stifling innovation, particularly in mobile app security. Their tightly regulated frameworks limit the flexibility for integrating advanced third-party security measures- measures that are critical when operating across varied platforms.
As noted in the Financial Times, the global market for apps is entering a phase of significant change, driven by the expansion of Chinese brands and the regulatory shifts in Europe, such as the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This presents a pressing need for developers to adopt robust security solutions like Approov, which provides app attestation to protect backend APIs and ensure only verified apps can access sensitive data.
For platforms like HarmonyOS and non-GMS Android, where built-in security layers may be weaker, such tools are indispensable. They ensure consistent protection across all devices and environments, even those outside the traditional Apple-Google duopoly.
Why Developers Must Adapt
1. Market Reach and Revenue
With Chinese brands targeting over 10% of the European market in the next five years, the potential user base for apps on these platforms is vast. By supporting these platforms, developers can unlock significant adoption and revenue opportunities.
2. Enhanced Security
As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, relying solely on platform-provided security is no longer viable. Solutions like Approov help ensure app and API communications, even in less regulated environments.
3. Privacy Compliance
Varying regional regulations, such as GDPR in Europe, imposes stringent requirements on data protection and handling. A global development approach ensures compliance across jurisdictions, minimizing legal and financial risks.
Embracing the Future
The global smartphone market is rapidly transforming, and developers who embrace a universal approach to app development will lead the way. Supporting innovative technologies like foldable devices and ensuring robust security measures across platforms will position companies for long-term success. By aligning development strategies with the demands of a diversified global market, app developers can enhance app security, protect user data, and foster greater trust and engagement among users worldwide. It’s time to move beyond conventional ecosystems and seize the opportunities of a broader, more interconnected digital landscape.