Stable HarmonyOS 4.2 released for 3 Huawei devices, including Pocket S

Huawei is rolling out the HarmonyOS 4.2 stable update for three foldable phones, including the Pocket S. After a lengthy beta phase, device owners can now discover new features and useful improvements in the latest software.

The changelog shows that HarmonyOS 4.2 stable firmware for Huawei Pocket S foldables and other devices is rolling out with version 4.2.0.120. Make sure you have 8GB of space on your smartphone to conveniently store the latest updates.

You can check the list of compatible models below.

• Huawei Pocket S
• Huawei Mate Xs2
• Huawei Mate Xs 2 Collector’s Edition
• Pocket for Huawei P50
• Huawei P50 Pocket Custom Edition

If you carry the above-mentioned foldable models, you can experience a new phase with HarmonyOS 4.2. Although your device should be running on base version 4.2.0.110 or 4.0.0.132 to complete the installation without any difficulty.

Talking about the changelog, the company has integrated interactive themes, new optimizations, and the May 2024 security patch. But again, the feature list differs between the versions running in closed beta and for the general public. Let’s check the changelog.

Stable HarmonyOS 4.2 changelog

Themes:

• A new geometry party theme has been introduced that allows you to select different triangular shapes to create a group, thus starting the party by using click gestures to scroll above or below the lock screen.
• A new geometric sticker theme has been added, where you can arrange different triangular shapes or colorful stickers to create a personalized theme. Moreover, users can interact with these stickers using click gestures on the lock screen.
• A new fun mood theme has been added where you can freely choose from various cute expressions and also combine them to create an enriched theme using several layout methods.
• A new mood stickers theme has been added, which uses a rich collection of popular emoticons and over 1500 mood emoticons to create an ever-changing interactive theme, making your lock screen more enjoyable.
• The art character theme can replace the custom background when you cut the image or change the background, making it more creative.

User Interface:

• Celia’s suggestion widgets can be stacked to improve user experience.
• Improves operation details in more scenarios to make visuals, tooltips, etc. more refined and accurate.

System:

• Optimize global search and make the home screen expand function work more smoothly.
• Improve user experience in various scenarios such as app launch, task switching, swiping, animation interruption, etc. for a smoother and smoother user experience.
• A new WLAN automatic connection tab has been added, which allows you to individually control whether to automatically connect to previously connected WLAN networks.
• Added a new recording toggle on a Bluetooth device. When recording remotely, you can connect Huawei headphones to record via Bluetooth for better recording quality.

Security:

• Integrates a device-cloud collaboration mechanism for more accurate and faster control of malicious applications.
• Added an anti-false positive feature that intelligently identifies viruses and risky apps, making HarmonyOS more transparent and secure.
• Blocks in-app ads (ads that pop up when you shake your phone), preventing apps from gaining device orientation. (Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager > Device Orientation).
• Better control over notification permissions for new third-party apps.
• The May 2024 security patch has been added to improve system security.

Apps:

• The “Huawei Reading” service has been updated. Powered by HarmonyOS features, it provides high-quality reading experience such as millions of good books, AI emotional reading and dissemination across devices.

Optimizations:

• Optimizes the display effect of some application interfaces. (for basic version 4.2.0.110)