August 7, 2023: On Friday, HarmonyOS 4 was announced with a modernized look, recent customization options, Live Windows, and an enhanced A. I assist as the embattled giant ramps up efforts to re-establish power for its smartphone business.

The Shenzhen-based telecoms firm is trying to recover from U.S. sanctions dating back to 2019, which missed it off from critical technologies such as semiconductors, such as 5G chips, and software. The move crippled its smartphone industry globally, demoting it from once being the number one player.

American restrictions cut Huawei off from Google’s Android mobile operating system, which destroyed Huawei’s smartphone business outside of China.

In 2019, Huawei launched its operating system called HarmonyOS in a bid to replace Android. The company has been developing new system versions to regain market share in smartphones.

The Friday launch of HarmonyOS 4 emphasizes the company’s ambition to regain strength in its smartphone business.

“Huawei’s flagship smartphones are making a comeback,” said Yu Chengdong, CEO of Huawei’s consumer business and intelligent automotive solution business groups, during the Huawei Developer Conference 2023 on Friday.

Since 2019, Huawei has focused on trying to regain market share in China, finding some success. Huawei’s market share jumped to 13% in China in the second quarter of the year, up from 7.3% during the same period in 2022. The company’s smartphone shipments grew by 76% year-on-year.