Google has restricted transactions with Huawei that require transferring proprietary hardware and software and technical services except those publicly available via open source licensing, according to a Reuters report.

 

Holders of current Huawei smartphones with Google apps, however, will continue to be able to use and download app updates provided by Google, a Google spokesperson said.

 

Google's action is seen as a blow to the Chinese technology company that the US government has sought to blacklist around the world.

 

Reacting to the report, a Huawei statement said the company has made substantial contributions to the development and growth of Android around the world. 

 

"As one of Android’s key global partners, we have worked closely with their open-source platform to develop an ecosystem that has benefitted both users and the industry," the statement said.

 

Huawei will continue to provide security updates and after sales services to all existing Huawei and Honor smartphone and tablet products covering those which have been sold or still in stock globally, it said.

 

"We will continue to build a safe and sustainable software ecosystem, in order to provide the best experience for all users globally," it added.

 

“For users of our services, Google Play and the security protections from Google Play Protect will continue to function on existing Huawei devices,” the Google spokesperson said, without giving further details.

 

The suspension could hobble Huawei’s smartphone business outside China as the tech giant will immediately lose access to updates to Google’s Android operating system. Future versions of Huawei smartphones that run on Android will also lose access to popular services, including the Google Play Store and Gmail and YouTube apps, said the Reuters report.

 

“Huawei will only be able to use the public version of Android and will not be able to get access to proprietary apps and services from Google,” the source said.