Huawei Mate 40 Pro Spotted Running HarmonyOS NEXT: The Truth Behind the Viral Video

The tech world is buzzing with excitement as **Huawei** continues to push the boundaries of its independent ecosystem. Recently, rumors surfaced regarding the potential rollout of the **HarmonyOS NEXT** upgrade for the legendary Mate 40 Pro. A leaked video seemingly confirmed that development is well underway, but as with many viral tech leaks, the full story contains a significant twist that users need to understand before getting their hopes too high.

A compelling video shared by a creator on Bilibili (Momoi UP master) showcased what many fans have been waiting for: a **Huawei Mate 40 Pro** operating with the HarmonyOS NEXT system. The demonstration highlighted an incredibly smooth user experience, featuring the newly designed search center, refreshed Quick Settings, a revamped weather application, and significantly enhanced animation logic. This build appears to be based on OpenHarmony 4.1, providing a glimpse into the future of the platform.

The Reality Behind the Third-Party System

According to the video's own caption, the device in question is not an official Huawei store unit or an internal engineering sample. Instead, it is a third-party brand system test unit. The reason this device is able to run the new software is due to an unlocked bootloader, a rarity for modern **smartphones** from the brand. This allows for the installation of unofficial software layers that are not yet available to the general public through standard update channels.

It is important to note that while Huawei is currently advancing toward OpenHarmony 6.1, the version shown in the video is the older 4.1 build. This discrepancy initially sparked joy among Mate 40 Pro users who have been eager for a major software overhaul, but technical experts were quick to provide a reality check regarding the authenticity of this "official" upgrade.

Expert Analysis: Official Build or Clever Hack?

Following the viral spread of the footage, prominent tech tipster @Superdimensional weighed in on the situation, labeling the "official" nature of the upgrade as fake. The investigation suggests that the device is a standard retail Mate 40 Pro that underwent a low-level bootloader unlock via a specialized hack. This allowed independent developers to install a custom port of OpenHarmony 4.1 onto the hardware.

Because this is a custom port and not an optimized release from Huawei's internal engineering team, it lacks official support and suffers from significant stability issues. Users are warned that such modifications, while visually impressive, do not represent the polished performance expected from a final consumer release. You can view the source of these claims by visiting the original video link below:

While the current video may not be the official rollout everyone hoped for, there is still a glimmer of hope. **Huawei** has previously mentioned that they are considering a HarmonyOS 5.0 upgrade path for the Mate 40 Pro series. However, a formal announcement remains pending. The community is now looking toward the potential debut of HarmonyOS 7.0 to see if the aging flagship will finally receive the official modern software it deserves.

Is the Huawei Mate 40 Pro officially receiving the HarmonyOS NEXT update?

While Huawei has indicated they are considering the upgrade, there has been no official confirmation or rollout date announced yet. The recent viral videos show unofficial ports rather than an official release.

What is the difference between the version in the video and the current OpenHarmony?

The video demonstrates a build based on OpenHarmony 4.1, which is considered an older version. Huawei is currently working with much newer versions, such as OpenHarmony 6.1, for its latest devices.

Can I install this version of HarmonyOS NEXT on my own Mate 40 Pro?

It is not recommended. The version shown requires a hacked and unlocked bootloader, which can compromise device security and stability. Furthermore, it is a third-party custom port, not a stable official system.

Why did experts call the leak "fake" if the phone was clearly running the software?

The term "fake" refers to the implication that this was an official Huawei test. Experts clarified that it was a community-made custom port running on a retail device via a bootloader exploit, not an official engineering test from Huawei itself.

🔎 In conclusion, while the sight of a Huawei Mate 40 Pro running the sleek and fluid HarmonyOS NEXT interface is exciting, it serves as a reminder of the distinction between community projects and official software support. The Mate 40 Pro remains one of Huawei's most beloved flagships, and while this specific leak isn't the official news fans were hoping for, it demonstrates the lasting power of the hardware and the high demand for continued software innovation. For now, users should wait for an official announcement from Huawei regarding the future of HarmonyOS on legacy devices.