Huawei has recently introduced its first computer running on HarmonyOS, marking a significant shift away from Microsoft Windows following the expiration of its Microsoft license. This move signifies the complete integration of its own operating system across Huawei’s entire ecosystem, from smartphones to computers.
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Huawei Ditches Windows for HarmonyOS on Its Laptops
Huawei has officially moved away from Windows. After its Microsoft license expired in March, the Chinese manufacturer launched its first laptop equipped with HarmonyOS 5 (also known as HarmonyOS Next), which has been in development since 2015. The unveiling took place in Shenzhen at a press-exclusive event. At this event, it was confirmed that the operating system, originally designed for connected devices, will now serve as the foundational platform across all Huawei devices. This strategic pivot, partially driven by U.S. sanctions, aims to enhance the integration of its entire product lineup.
An OS Designed for the Entire Huawei Ecosystem
HarmonyOS isn’t emerging out of thin air. Since its 2019 debut on TVs, followed by smartphones and tablets, the system has been integrated into Huawei’s ecosystem with a unification approach similar to Apple’s. The OS now powers a wide array of devices including smartwatches, displays, and soon, the brand’s vehicles, aiming to replace Android and Windows as the central operating systems. Its introduction to PCs is a natural progression, featuring a hybrid interface that blends mobile and desktop elements, a dock similar to macOS, and compatibility with over 2,000 mobile applications.
Integrated Chinese Software
The yet-to-be-named laptop comes loaded with a variety of local applications like WPS Office (a free alternative to Microsoft Office), DingTalk (Alibaba’s corporate collaboration tool), RedNote, and Feishu (a competitor to Teams). The OS also allows the installation of numerous HarmonyOS mobile apps, enhancing connectivity across devices. In terms of productivity, Huawei’s own AI, Celia, is capable of summarizing meetings, creating slides, or extracting information from documents.
Technically, the HarmonyOS PC is built on a completely new foundation, featuring its own kernel, the Ark graphics engine, StarShield security architecture, and a unified development environment (ArkTS, ArkUI, DevEco). Huawei promises compatibility with over 1,000 devices, both standard and non-standard, and stable visual performance through optimized graphic rendering. However, the hardware specifics remain a mystery: it’s still unclear whether the chips will be x86 (Intel/AMD) or ARM, which will determine the feasibility of dual-booting with Windows.
A Sovereign OS to Circumvent US Sanctions
By adopting HarmonyOS on its laptops, Huawei is taking another step toward technological independence. In China, its mobile system has already surpassed iOS with a 19% market share. This new PC could appeal to a domestic market already familiar with the HarmonyOS mobile interface. However, outside of China, the lack of applications and a closed ecosystem may hinder its adoption.