Honor is installing Google apps (GMS) in the Chinese version of its smartphones

Honor is preparing to install the Google GMS apps and services on Chinese units of smartphones and tablet devices. The latest revelation came after Honor announced recruitment for testing GMS in Chinese models.

According to the recruitment, Honor is taking this step in order to provide support for Google Play services for users outside of China for a trip abroad or any other reason.

Initially, Honor is recruiting Magic 5 and Magic V2 for this Google apps testing campaign. Thereafter, the company will begin sending the test build. The official recruitment timeline starts on August 23 until September 30.

Honor also confirmed that GMS app installation on Honor smartphones will happen in three batches in early, mid, and late September. Chinese users of the Honor devices will have to sign up through a form in order to participate in the Google GMS apps beta testing program.

Huawei and Honor:

Back in 2019, the US Commerce Department banned Huawei and stopped the shipment of Google app certification for new Huawei devices.

This caused Huawei to launch its first flagship smartphone – the Huawei Mate 30 series without GMS. Thereafter, the Honor V40 series also made it through with only the Huawei HMS ecosystem.

In 2020, Huawei sold Honor (its then subsidiary) to a Chinese business group, which allowed the company to resume its cooperation with Google. Thereafter, Honor announced new devices with pre-installed GMS services and Google apps. These phones are shipped in the global market and helped the company return to its growth.

Eventually, the new GMS installation could also allow Honor phones to enable or disable Google service to run in the background. That’s how you can kick start the GMS services while traveling abroad.