Huawei has launched its first laptop running HarmonyOS, marking a major shift away from Microsoft Windows following the expiration of its Windows license in March due to U.S. sanctions.
The yet-unnamed laptop runs HarmonyOS 5 (also called HarmonyOS Next), Huawei's proprietary operating system that has been in development since 2012. The system will be officially unveiled later this month.
The new laptop comes equipped with Celia, Huawei's AI assistant, which can handle tasks like creating presentations, summarizing meetings, and searching local documents. The computer supports popular Chinese applications including WPS Office (a Microsoft Office alternative) and DingTalk for enterprise collaboration.
By year-end, the laptop is expected to support over 2,000 applications, including mobile apps already available on HarmonyOS smartphones. Users will have access to platforms like RedNote, Bilibili, and Feishu.
The move represents Huawei's strategy to build an integrated ecosystem across its devices, similar to Apple's approach with iOS and macOS. HarmonyOS has already gained traction in China's mobile market, holding a 19% share compared to Apple's 17% last quarter.
While detailed hardware specifications remain unannounced, industry observers suggest the laptop might support Windows installation if it uses Intel or AMD processors, potentially allowing dual-boot capabilities.
This launch positions Huawei as a frontrunner in China's domestic technology sector, particularly as the company aims to reduce dependence on American technology while expanding its presence in the global PC market.