BMW has partnered with Huawei to develop a digital ecosystem based on the tech giant’s HarmonyOS. This collaboration, announced on Monday, will see the integration of Huawei’s technology into BMW vehicles, bringing cutting-edge digital connectivity and smart applications to drivers in China.
According to Sean Green, President and CEO of BMW Group Region China, nearly a quarter of MyBMW App users in China are already reliant on Huawei devices. By integrating deeply with Huawei’s HarmonyOS ecosystem, BMW aims to improve the in-car applications and connectivity services for its users, elevating the intelligent experience in high-frequency use scenarios.
One of the key innovations to be rolled out this year is the BMW Digital Key, developed on the HarmonyOS NEXT platform. This feature will allow users to unlock, lock, or start their BMW vehicles seamlessly via Huawei smartphones, offering a more convenient and tech-forward approach to vehicle security and access.
In 2026, the collaboration will take another leap forward with the introduction of Huawei’s HiCar in BMW’s locally produced Neue Klasse models. By incorporating HarmonyOS into the vehicle’s cockpit, BMW will offer an all-scenario smart ecosystem that connects people, vehicles, and homes. This integration will open up a broader range of in-car applications and intelligent digital experiences, making BMW vehicles even smarter and more intuitive.
BMW’s commitment to China’s tech industry is clear, as the company also announced ongoing partnerships with Chinese tech firms in fields like large language models, generative AI, and intelligent voice interaction. These collaborations aim to provide smarter, more efficient, and user-centric mobility experiences for Chinese consumers, tailored specifically to the market’s unique needs.
“China has emerged as a global engine of innovation. Through collaboration with leading local technology partners in joint R&D and co-creation, BMW is leveraging its system integration expertise to fuse cutting-edge technologies and advance local partnerships into a transformative 2.0 phase,” said Green.
This partnership is part of BMW’s broader strategy to work more closely with Chinese suppliers and technology firms, integrating local expertise into BMW’s global innovation framework. By creating a new paradigm of technology sharing and global empowerment, BMW marks the beginning of a new phase in its local partnerships in China, helping to shape the future of mobility in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
