What does Android block mean for Huawei users?

Google services will no longer be available on the Chinese company’s devices.

Google has restricted Huawei’s access to parts of its Android operating system, casting doubt over the future of the Chinese company’s smartphones.

Here is a closer look at how the decision could affect Huawei phone users.

– What has Google done?

Trump state visit to UK — Google is complying with an executive order from the US president (Brian Lawless/PA)

As a result, Google has restricted Huawei’s access to its Android operating system, the widely used mobile software that powers Huawei phones and tablets, as well those made by Samsung and a host of other firms.

– How will it affect current Huawei phone users?

Huawei stock — Existing Huawei smartphones should still function normally (Yui Mok/PA)

That means current Huawei smartphones should continue to function normally and users should be able to update their apps and other parts of Google’s Play Services.

– What about the company’s future devices?

Children’s dream jobs — Apps such as YouTube and Google Maps may not be available on future Huawei devices (YouTube/PA)

New phones from the Chinese manufacturer may also no longer include apps such as YouTube and Google Maps, and will not receive important security updates.

Instead, the company could use the basic version of Android available through its open source licence – similar to how it works in China, where Google is banned – or it could choose to build its own operating system and run its devices on that.

– Will other Huawei products be affected?

Windows 10 launch event — The Google decision calls into question Huawei’s use of Windows 10, which is made by US company Microsoft (John Stillwell/PA)

There has been no comment from either Huawei or Microsoft on when or if any restrictions will apply.

– How likely is a Huawei own-brand operating system?

Technology stock — Apple already uses its own operating system (Lauren Hurley/PA)

Some reports suggest the company has been developing it for over five years and could have it ready to roll as a “plan B”.

The company already uses a version of Android in China that does not include Google services and so could base its software on that.

Huawei would not be the first company to use its own operating system – most notably Apple’s devices run on the company’s own-developed iOS software.

– Why is Huawei so controversial?

BT removes Huawei equipment from key network areas — Huawei is awaiting approval to use the UK’s 5G networks (Steve Parsons/PA)

Huawei has always strongly denied the claims, insisting it abides by the laws of each country in which it is present.

The US, however, has taken a firm stance on the company, with the latest order backing up existing rules that effectively ban the firm’s phones from the country.

The order did not mention Huawei by name but has been widely interpreted to be targeted at Huawei, and also forms part of wider ongoing tensions between the US and China over trade.

The US has also urged its allies – including the UK – not to use its equipment or face being cut off from US intelligence because of the “unacceptable risk” the company poses.

The UK Government is still debating whether or not to allow Huawei telecoms equipment to be used in parts of the UK’s new 5G networks.