Facebook recently announced it has suspended the pre-installation of WhatsApp, Instagram, and other Facebook apps on Huawei phones.
According to reports, Facebook said that new Huawei phones will no longer be able to have Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram apps pre-installed. However, old users of the phone will still be able to access those features and get updates.
What this means for business: Since most smartphone vendors collaborate with popular apps like Facebook, Twitter and the rest to get a pre-install version of their app on Huawei phones, this would cause redundancy in their profit.
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A difficult time for Huawei: This might be difficult for the Chinese tech company, as many companies continue to cut ties with it. Last month, the American Government gave an order to the Commerce Department any foreign players in a massive industry from doing business with American companies.
Managing Director,
Huawei Nigeria
The recent move by Facebook will, no doubt, further reduce Huawei Technology’s market share. The company built its business on the strength of its smartphones and have achieved great returns from last year with its strong ties in Europe and Asia.
Huawei Technology has so far declined to comment at the issue at hand.
In the meantime, other big tech companies like Google will also desist from providing software for Huawei phones after a 90-day reprieve granted by the US Government expires in August. Google’s Play store and all Google apps will, however, still be available for current models of Huawei phones, including those which have not yet been shipped for sale.
Recall that Nairametrics reported that Huawei recently filed legal action against the US Government, a move that is viewed as pushback against pressure from the U.S Government who accused the technology firm of spying on behalf of the Chinese Government.