WeChat for HarmonyOS Enters Beta Testing

The HarmonyOS version of the WeChat app is now undergoing beta testing for version 8.0.21.16 (8394000). The testing program is being conducted via Huawei's App Gallery and will run from August 24 to September 24, 2026.

Users must receive an SMS invitation to participate in the testing. The release notes for this update state, "fixed some known issues," a common note for minor updates. However, the previous 8.0.20 version introduced several notable features, including the ability to set video clips as ringtones, enhanced emoji search in video comments, and improved functionality for sharing and saving web links.

WeChat for HarmonyOS was officially launched in January 2025 and has since surpassed 70 million installations. The app already supports core functionalities such as basic communication, social networking, WeChat Pay, official accounts, mini-programs, and video channels.

This beta test aims to gather user feedback and identify any potential issues before a wider release. The controlled testing phase is typical for software development, allowing for iterative improvements and bug fixes to ensure a stable user experience.