Huawei Unveils First HarmonyOS Laptop Following End of Windows License

Tech
By 24matins.uk,  published 9 May 2025 at 16h45, updated on 9 May 2025 at 16h45.
Tech

Huawei has introduced its first laptop powered by HarmonyOS, marking a significant shift for the Chinese tech giant following the expiration of its Windows license. This move signals Huawei’s strategic push towards self-developed software in its computing devices.

Tl;dr

  • Huawei launches first HarmonyOS-powered laptop post-Windows license expiry.
  • AI features and a fully Chinese software ecosystem headline the device.
  • HarmonyOS claims 19% of Chinese mobile market, surpassing iOS.

    • Huawei Breaks New Ground with HarmonyOS Laptop

    When Huawei lost its Windows license earlier this year, many wondered how the Chinese tech giant would adapt. That answer came in Shenzhen, where Zhu Dongdong—president of tablets and PCs at Huawei—unveiled the company’s first laptop running its in-house operating system, HarmonyOS. This move, far removed from Western software solutions, marks a significant pivot for the brand. During the event, Zhu asserted that Huawei aims to « fully usher its devices into the HarmonyOS era ».

    A New Software Ecosystem: All Eyes on China

    Instead of simply replicating global standards, Huawei’s latest device embraces a distinctively Chinese software environment. The laptop comes preloaded with local apps such as WPS, often touted as China’s answer to Microsoft Office, and DingTalk, Alibaba’s collaborative platform. Popular applications like RedNote (social networking), Bilibili (video sharing), and Feishu (enterprise communication) are also part of the offering. Industry analysts note that over 2,000 applications will be compatible by year’s end—a clear signal of ambition.

    This strategic shift is driven by several key factors:

  • Diminishing reliance on American technologies
  • Boosting domestic developer innovation
  • Rapidly adjusting to international restrictions

    • Together, these elements reinforce an ecosystem designed not just for convenience but for resilience.

    The Role of Artificial Intelligence

    Integral to the new laptop is Celia, an AI-powered voice assistant tailored to streamline daily tasks. Celia can generate presentations, summarize meeting notes, or pull relevant data from local documents—though it still depends on access to compatible third-party apps. Operating on HarmonyOS Next (version 5), the system blurs traditional boundaries between PC and mobile experiences through this deep integration of artificial intelligence. For users accustomed to more conventional interfaces, this hybrid approach may take some adjustment—but it undeniably signals a forward-looking vision.

    HarmonyOS Expands Its Influence in China’s Mobile Market

    Of course, HarmonyOS didn’t materialize overnight. Since its inception in 2015 and initial launch on smartphones, it has gained notable traction. As per Counterpoint Research data from late 2023, HarmonyOS captured a striking 19% share of China’s mobile OS market—overtaking iOS’s 17%, although Android still dominates at 64%. Furthermore, around 160 legacy Huawei devices are now eligible for HarmonyOS upgrades.

    Looking ahead, all eyes are set on May 19th—the official launch date for this pioneering laptop. For both Huawei and China’s wider tech ecosystem, this could well represent a turning point.