Things are going from bad to worse for Chinese phone manufacturer Huawei with the popular P30 Pro handset no longer available on the Telstra store. This follows Google’s decision to cut Huawei’s access to a range of app and OS updates. Here’s what we know so far.
Last week, Huawei and its 70 affiliates were added to a trade ‘black list’ in the US – a move that essentially forced Google to restrict the vendor from accessing its software. As a result, it appears Telstra may have pulled the Huawei P30 Pro from sale.
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2019/05/report-huawei-banned-from-android-by-google/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2019/05/huawei-viva-event-smartphone-410×231.jpg” title=”Report: Huawei Banned From Android By Google” excerpt=”Huawei has been hit by a ban from Google that will see it cut off from a bunch of Android apps and updates to the operating system. Huawei and its 70 affiliates were added to a trade ‘black list’ last week – a move that seems to have forced Google’s hand.”]
The Mate P30 Pro product page can still be accessed online, but it now carries an ‘Out of stock’ message. While it’s possible that Telstra genuinely ran out of stock of the popular smartphone, the timing is suspicious to say the least.
We’ve reached out to Telstra and will update this story as soon as we know more. For its part, Huawei is continuing to insist that existing customers wont be affected by the Google ban, with security updates and after sales services continuing to roll out for its products.
Here’s the statement Huawei released last week:
“Huawei has made substantial contributions to the development and growth of Android around the world. As one of Android’s key global partners, we have worked closely with their open-source platform to develop an ecosystem that has benefitted both users and the industry.
“Huawei will continue to provide security updates and after sales services to all existing Huawei and Honor smartphone and tablet products covering those have been sold or still in stock globally. We will continue to build a safe and sustainable software ecosystem, in order to provide the best experience for all users globally.”
This story is developing…
Update #1: We’ve just heard back from a Telstra rep who has indicated the Huawei P30 Pro was not deliberately pulled from sale. However, it remains unclear when the phone will be returning.
Here’s the official statement from the company:
The Huawei P30 Pro is still available in store and online. We are in ongoing contact with Google and Huawei and are working with them to ensure no impact or disruption to our customers.
Telstra’s assurance that the P30 Pro is still available online does not appear to be accurate. The telco claims that the phone will be returning to its e-store at some point, but was unable to provide us with a time frame.
We’ll be keeping an eye on Telstra’s store and will report back if the phone makes a triumphant reappearance.
Update #2: And it’s back! Looks like Telstra has managed to replenish its stock after all.
Nevertheless, if you’re contemplating buying the Huawei Mate P30, we advise adopting a ‘wait-and-see’ approach for the time being. The legal situation in the US remains extremely volatile.
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2018/06/what-you-need-to-know-about-using-chinese-branded-smartphones-in-australia/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2018/05/Huawei-Mate-9-410×231.jpg” title=”What You Need To Know About Using Chinese-Branded Smartphones In Australia” excerpt=”Huawei is receiving rave reviews for its latest handset, the P20 Pro. Even in the United States, where the phone isn’t on sale, reviewers are importing the device to declare it the phone of the year. The praise is understandable – it pushes the camera past its nearest competitors and is arguably the prettiest phone ever built.
And yet… I find it difficult to wholeheartedly recommend this phone in the current climate.”]
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