Google blocks Huawei from using apps including Maps and Gmail on its phones

They’re some of the most popular apps on the Google Play Store, but it seems that Google Maps and Gmail could soon be unavailable on Huawei phones.

A new report has revealed that Google has blocked Huawei from using several apps on its phones.

Huawei currently uses the Google-developed Android operating systems on its phones and tablets.

However, a report by The Verge claims that Google has cut off Huawei’s licence.

This means that apps including Maps and Gmail will no longer be available, as well as Google’s security updates.

Existing customers will be able to update their phones and apps, but will not be able to update to a newer version of the Android operating system if one becomes available.

Android said it had taken steps to "comply with the recent US government actions".

This could be a reference to US president Donald Trump's executive order apparently aimed at banning Huawei's equipment from US networks and said it was subjecting the Chinese company to strict export controls.

The order – which empowers the US government to ban the technology and services of "foreign adversaries" deemed to pose "unacceptable risks" to national security – did not name specific countries or companies.

Meanwhile, retired brigadier general Robert Spalding, the former senior director for strategy at the National Security Council, wrote in the Daily Telegraph that the UK "must recognise" the strength of US feeling on Huawei.

He wrote: "Other nations must not make the mistake of thinking President Trump's recent executive order banning companies like Huawei from US networks is merely an afterthought of the trade war.

"The severity of President Trump's declaration underscores just how seriously the US views this issue, and the UK must recognise this strength of feeling.

"To miss the significance of his actions would be a grave misjudgment of how seriously we take our security in an ever-more dangerous world."

What it means for you

If you currently use a Huawei smartphone, you'll still be able to update your phone and apps.

However, you won't be able to update to a newer version of the Android operating system if one becomes available.

Google explained: "For Huawei users' questions regarding our steps to comply w/ the recent US government actions: We assure you while we are complying with all US gov't requirements, services like Google Play & security from Google Play Protect will keep functioning on your existing Huawei device."

Meanwhile, if you were considering upgrading to a Huawei smartphone, it's worth keeping in mind that you won't be able to download Google apps to the device.

This includes Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube and Google's Chrome web browser.

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