About Petal

Petal Search, developed by Huawei, was launched in 2020 as a response to the company's restricted access to Google services following U.S. trade sanctions. Petal was designed to fill the gap in Huawei devices, allowing users to search for apps, news, and other online content without relying on Google’s search infrastructure. It was developed as part of Huawei’s broader push to create an independent software ecosystem.

Petal Search functions as a search engine, app discovery tool, and news aggregator, primarily for Huawei devices. It uses a combination of its own index and third-party data providers to offer search results. Petal also integrates AI-based tools for visual search and localized content, providing a comprehensive search experience for users within the Huawei ecosystem. Its app-search feature is particularly important for users in markets where Google Play is unavailable.

Petal Search has become a key part of Huawei’s ecosystem, particularly for users of its smartphones and tablets. While it is not widely used outside the Huawei community, it has gained popularity in regions like China, Europe, and parts of Asia. As Huawei continues to expand its services, Petal Search remains central to the company’s efforts to reduce its reliance on Western tech providers.

Petal Timeline

• 2020: Petal Search was launched by Huawei as part of its broader effort to create an independent app ecosystem. The launch followed U.S. sanctions that restricted Huawei’s access to Google services on its smartphones, prompting the company to develop alternatives.
• 2021: Petal Search expanded beyond being just an app store search tool to become a full-fledged search engine. It offered web search, image search, shopping, and news, focusing on providing users with a comprehensive search experience within Huawei's ecosystem.
• 2022: Huawei continued to improve Petal Search's AI capabilities, leveraging its expertise in natural language processing and machine learning. The search engine became available in over 50 languages, with a focus on markets where Huawei had a strong presence, such as China and parts of Europe.
• 2023: Petal Search added more privacy-focused features, aiming to attract users concerned about data security and personal information. It continued to be integrated into Huawei's smartphones as the default search option, positioning itself as an alternative to Google for Huawei users.
• Legacy: Petal Search is part of Huawei's strategic shift towards self-reliance in response to international trade restrictions. It serves as a symbol of tech diversification and regional search alternatives in a landscape dominated by U.S. tech giants.

Stay curious—this search engine history will keep you hooked. Qwant: A European Search Engine Committed to Privacy.