No more WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram on new Huawei smartphones
What's the story
Ever since the US barred Huawei from trading with American companies, all hell has broken loose for the Chinese giant. The company first witnessed a series of bans from leading technology giants, including the likes of Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm, and Broadcom. Now, in another 'American' blow, it has been blocked from offering smartphones with pre-installed Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram apps. Here's all about it.
Issue
Facebook has long been offering its apps on new smartphones
Facebook has long been offering its products - WhatsApp, Instagram, and the main Facebook app - pre-installed on new smartphones. The company has deals with phone manufacturers, operating systems and mobile operators around the world to offer its services by default. Huawei was also one of the many companies that had partnered with the social network to offer its apps.
Ban
However, Facebook has severed ties with Huawei now
Now, complying with the US trade ban, Facebook is effectively blocking the Chinese giant from offering its services. As Reuters reports, it has refused to allow pre-installs of its services on "any [Huawei] phone which has not yet left the factory." To note, Google has given the company a temporary license so that its phones could keep receiving security updates for now.
Concern
Still, this isn't the biggest concern for Huawei yet
While the move marks a big change, it is hardly a point of concern for Huawei or its users. Basically, if you won't get phones with Instagram, WhatsApp, or the main Facebook app pre-installed, there's always the option to download them from the Google Play Store. As a matter of fact, it seems like a loss for Facebook.
Information
Why Huawei was banned in the first place
The US has added Huawei's name on a trade blacklist, which prevents the company from buying or sourcing any components or parts from American companies. The move came due to national security concerns stemming from its telecommunications equipment.