Update Timeline and Details
Deng Li, an author at Huawei Central, indicated on January 16, 2026, that the Mate 40 series is expected to receive HarmonyOS 6 during the second quarter of this year. The rollout would involve API version 22 or 23, representing a major jump from the current HarmonyOS 4.2.0.192 that the devices currently run.
This update is particularly notable given that Huawei removed the Mate 40 series from its August 2025 software updates eligibility list after the lineup completed its standard four-year support cycle. The potential HarmonyOS 6 upgrade signals Huawei’s commitment to extending product durability through long-term OS support.
What HarmonyOS 6 Brings
HarmonyOS 6, which entered public beta following its June 2025 announcement, delivers a redesigned interface, improved performance, and AI-driven tools. Key features and performance enhancements include:
Performance Improvements:
- 15% improvement in system smoothness over HarmonyOS 5
- Battery life extended by more than 35 minutes
- 11% faster app startup times
- 21% quicker page rendering
- 30% faster content loading
New Features:
- XiaoYi AI personal assistant with contextual suggestions and task automation
- Dialect recognition and multi-step command support
- AIGC-based signature customization for lock screens
- Artistic signature options
- Family-based fraud prevention tools
- Enhanced customization for lock screen and interface
- Smoother animations and improved system fluidity
Mate 40 Series Hardware Context
The Mate 40 series remains significant as the last Mate flagship released before certain U.S. sanctions, featuring Huawei’s 5nm Kirin 9000 series chipset. The devices boast a robust camera system including a 50MP ultra vision camera with f/1.9 aperture, 20MP ultra-wide angle lens, and 12MP telephoto camera with optical image stabilization. The front houses a 13MP ultra vision camera and 3D depth sensing camera.
Display specifications include a 6.76-inch OLED panel with FHD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh rate. The series’ 30 million unit sales have established a substantial user base that would benefit from extended software support.
Huawei’s Long-Term Support Strategy
Huawei has stated its goal is to make products as durable as possible by providing smooth operating system experiences and easy OS upgrades over the long term, noting that HarmonyOS upgrades can “revive old models from many years ago.”
If confirmed, this update could set a precedent for extended software support for older flagship devices within the smartphone industry, demonstrating that manufacturers can provide meaningful updates well beyond traditional support windows.
What Mate 40 Users Should Do
While official confirmation from Huawei is pending, Mate 40 owners can prepare for the potential update:
- Monitor official Huawei channels for announcements regarding the HarmonyOS 6 rollout
- Ensure devices are running the latest HarmonyOS 4.2.0.192 update
- Back up important data before any major operating system update
- Check device settings regularly for available software updates
Specific regional rollout details and the exact date within Q2 2026 remain unannounced. Users should continue monitoring official Huawei announcements and reputable tech news outlets for confirmation and additional details about the update timeline.
Follow us on Bluesky, LinkedIn, and X to Get Instant Updates
