In a landmark move aimed at reducing dependence on foreign technology ecosystems, Chinese tech giant Huawei has officially launched its first-ever laptops powered by its self-developed Harmony operating system. The debut marks a significant step forward in the company’s long-term strategy to build a fully integrated ecosystem independent of U.S.-origin software such as Microsoft Windows.

A New Chapter for Huawei

The new lineup, unveiled at a press conference in Shenzhen, features sleek ultra-thin notebooks under the MateBook branding. These are the first personal computers to run on HarmonyOS, an operating system originally developed for smartphones and IoT devices, but now expanded into full-fledged desktop computing.

Huawei executives hailed the launch as a “new era” for China’s computing industry. “This is not just a product launch,” said Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei's Consumer Business Group. “It’s about breaking barriers, creating seamless connectivity across devices, and laying the foundation for a truly unified digital experience powered entirely by home-grown innovation.”

HarmonyOS on Laptops: What's New?

The HarmonyOS-equipped MateBooks promise a tightly integrated user experience with Huawei's smartphones, tablets, and smart devices. The interface retains a minimalist, familiar desktop environment but offers unique Harmony features such as:

• Multi-Device Collaboration: Users can drag and drop files between their phone and laptop without cables or third-party apps.

• SuperHub: A universal clipboard and file center that syncs data and apps across Huawei devices instantly.

• Fast Boot & Low Power Consumption: HarmonyOS has been optimized for faster startup times and efficient resource management.

Initial demonstrations showcased the laptops running office applications, multimedia editing software, and popular Chinese productivity tools, all built to natively support the new OS.

A Shift in Software Sovereignty

Huawei’s shift to HarmonyOS on laptops is a strategic response to the longstanding restrictions imposed by the U.S. government, which cut off the company from key technologies including the Google Android ecosystem and Microsoft software licenses. Since then, Huawei has heavily invested in developing HarmonyOS as a viable alternative.

With the domestic market as the first target, Huawei is aiming to attract both consumers and government clients seeking Chinese-made alternatives amid rising concerns over data security and digital sovereignty.

Market Readiness and App Support

To address app compatibility, Huawei has collaborated with Chinese software developers and educational institutions to expand the HarmonyOS ecosystem. The laptops will initially support apps from Huawei’s AppGallery, and include compatibility layers to run Linux-based applications. A dedicated HarmonyOS version of WPS Office, developed by Kingsoft, is bundled with the launch devices.

International support and availability remain unclear. Huawei representatives declined to provide a timeline for global rollout, instead emphasizing their focus on building a robust domestic ecosystem first.

Challenges Ahead

While the debut is significant, Huawei faces an uphill battle. Windows remains dominant in the global PC market, and HarmonyOS must overcome concerns about app availability, third-party support, and enterprise readiness. Analysts suggest it could take several years before HarmonyOS laptops gain substantial market share, especially outside China.