However, Huawei has confirmed it has a backup OS in case that happens.

The OS has been rumoured for years, but Huawei confirmed its viability with the South China Morning Post saying it could be used if the company were cut off from Android or Windows.

It's seen as a last resort, but given the current discord between the US and Huawei, it's not entirely surprising that the company has a plan B.

Huawei began building the OS in 2012, after seeing the writing on the wall when the US banned Chinese telecom equipment maker ZTE from using American products and services.

This was reportedly seen as a way to prepare for "worst case scenarios". Now, with Huawei suing the US government and the US saying it might punish Germany if the country works with Huawei on its 5G networks, those worst case scenarios might not be too far fetched.

Android and Windows are still the company's first choice. "We fully support our partners' operating systems -- we love them, and our customers love them", a company spokesperson told South China Morning Post. Still, given the state of the US-Huawei relationship, this contingency plan could be significant.