[Update: It’s back] Huawei Mate 20 Pro removed from Google’s Android Q Beta page

Ben Schoon | May 30 2019 - 8:20 am PT

Android Q is currently in beta with a plethora of devices from Google and OEMs alike. Over the past day, however, we’ve noticed that the Huawei Mate 20 Pro has been removed from the Android Q Beta page amidst the unfolding trade issues plaguing the company.

In case you’re out of the loop, a recent US Government order placed Huawei on a blacklist, meaning no US companies can have dealings with the Chinese giant. That includes Google who, in complying with that order, cut off Huawei’s Android license and pulled Play Store and Google app support from future Huawei devices.

Now, the Huawei Mate 20 Pro has been removed from the Android Q Beta page which isn’t a good sign by any means. While Huawei’s developer page for the update is still up and running, Google has removed the device from the official list of supported hardware. Presumably, this is because the ban in place restricts Google from assisting Huawei on updates, such as approving Play Store access. Despite the 90-day extension, Huawei was granted, the company’s attention is probably not on a developer beta during that time period.

Notably, we’ve been tracking this page over the past 24 hours, and this change was made sometime last night. The timing is slightly suspect given the 90-day extension Huawei was granted.

Update 5/30: As silently as it was removed, the Huawei Mate 20 Pro has just re-appeared on Google’s Android Q Beta page. The device just came back just this morning in the same spot it was before the removal. Presumably, this has to do with the 90-day general license Huawei was granted to continue working on its existing products. This is probably a good sign that not only is work continuing on the beta, but that current Huawei devices might be updated.

On a side note, Huawei’s Android Q beta was always very limited compared to the rest of the pack. While Google and Essential make it easy for anyone to install the update, Huawei limited it solely to developers with a registered email address on the Google Play Store.