Huawei and Vivo compete to be the 'assistant' to the iPhone.

Chinese manufacturers are constantly releasing tools to help connect and integrate their phones with iPhones, aiming to prevent them from becoming just a second smartphone.

This app allows you to AirDrop files from your Oppo phone to your iPhone. Photo: Oppo .

Recently, Chinese manufacturers have been competing to launch devices with connectivity and compatibility with iPhones and the Apple ecosystem. On October 23rd, Huawei announced HarmonyOS 6, the software version that will be used and updated on most of its phones next year. Besides new features, the ability to directly transfer files via peer-to-peer networks (similar to AirDrop) to iPhones is a noteworthy function.

In the domestic Chinese market, Huawei is seen as a rival to Apple in the high-end segment. The launch of the aforementioned tool shows that the last "fortress" has finally crumbled, as all of China's largest smartphone manufacturers are shifting to befriending Apple instead of competing with it.

Become friends with Apple.

The use of iOS-inspired user interfaces is no longer a novelty among Chinese mobile phone manufacturers. Most functions that can be copied from competitors are quickly incorporated into their phones by Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo. Besides imitating the best and reducing research effort, this helps attract customers and provide an iPhone-like experience at a lower price.

However, simply copying isn't enough for manufacturers from the world's most populous nation. Recently, these companies have also been trying to integrate their phones into the Apple ecosystem.

A trendy feature that Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi have been actively promoting recently on their operating systems is the ability to connect with iPhones and transfer files directly. Oppo launched the O+ Connect app, allowing users to transfer photos and files over peer-to-peer Wi-Fi, similar to AirDrop with Apple phones. Later, the company also introduced a similar tool for macOS, adding the feature of using Oppo smartphones to remotely control Apple computers.

Apple Watch connects and receives notifications from Vivo phone. Photo: Vivo.

Vivo's EasyShare also has a similar function. Users simply place their Vivo phone next to an iPhone; close contact will automatically activate a pop-up to transfer files and photos. The company is also continuously expanding the tool on OriginOS 6, allowing users to connect AirPods and Apple Watch to Vivo phones, and answer iPhone calls on their Vivo smartphones when nearby.

Xiaomi lagged behind its competitors, only recently launching the interoperability feature with iOS and macOS. This software suite is even more complex as it requires users to log in and synchronize with a single account to perform operations. Most recently, Honor and Huawei have also integrated similar solutions into their domestic MagicOS and HarmonyOS versions. This solution may soon be available in the upcoming international versions.

Thus, the five largest Android phone manufacturers in China, along with sub-brands like OnePlus and IQOO, have deeply integrated the ability to work with and interact with iPhones and the Apple ecosystem into their products.

'If we can't win, we'll draw.'

According to The Observer , a leading Chinese technology website, this trend reflects the new goals of Chinese phone manufacturers. After years of fierce competition with Apple, they still cannot surpass the Cupertino giant in the high-end segment. Instead of persuading customers to switch from iPhones to Vivo, Oppo, or Xiaomi, these companies want to position themselves as "secondary devices," offering a second choice alongside Apple's flagship devices.

This new approach aims to address market saturation, as the number of first-time buyers or those upgrading their devices gradually decreases, while the demand for second smartphones increases.

Advertisement for Oppo's O+ Connect tool. Photo: Oppo.

Solutions like O+ Connect or EasyShare reduce the barrier when customers are hesitant about choosing a phone. They don't need to change their usage habits if they still have an iPhone. At the same time, Android devices are more affordable, have an open operating system, and are easily compatible with existing accessories. From this point, the new experience with Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi can attract complete switching to the new device.

In Vietnam, Oppo also launched many advertising campaigns highlighting the compatibility of its phone models with iPhones, referring to Apple phones as "siblings".

Meanwhile, renowned reviewer Marques Brownlee argues that copying or attempting to integrate into a competitor's system is a necessary step in a market that has already been divided. His view is that manufacturers like Apple always try to "trap" users within proprietary features, reducing the desire of competitors to switch and try other products.

Therefore, the fact that Google Pixel can also send iMessage messages or is compatible with MagSafe accessories is a way to reduce the barriers customers have to overcome to upgrade their phones.

Source: https://znews.vn/huawei-vivo-canh-tranh-de-lam-tro-thu-cho-iphone-post1596391.html