Huawei Breaks Up With Windows and the US Tech Ecosystem
Huawei’s been under US sanctions since 2019, and those restrictions have reshaped the way the Chinese giant builds its devices. Instead of relying on American technologies and Windows licensing, Huawei has gone all in on its own software stack. The latest proof? Two shiny new laptops that drop Windows entirely and run HarmonyOS out of the box.
At a recent launch event, Huawei unveiled the MateBook Fold and MateBook Pro as the first PCs powered by HarmonyOS rather than the familiar Windows environment. It’s a bold move that underlines Huawei’s determination to break free from US restrictions and chart its own software destiny.
High-Quality Hardware as a Canvas for HarmonyOS
When you’re introducing a brand-new operating system on a PC, you need hardware that wows. Huawei didn’t hold back. Both laptops pack high-end components and premium features that rival any Windows-equipped competitor.
The MateBook Fold is essentially an 18-inch OLED screen that folds into a sleek, ultra-portable package. It’s packing up to 32GB of RAM and up to 2TB of storage, yet weighs just over a kilogram. On the other hand, the MateBook Pro sticks to a more conventional 14.2-inch form factor but keeps the luxury feel with a 70Wh battery, fingerprint reader, and fast 140W charging over USB-C.
MateBook Fold: Folding the Future
The MateBook Fold is an engineering marvel. It borrows from devices like the Asus Zenbook 17 Fold, but Huawei’s take uses a single continuous OLED panel. That means no weird folding lines and an insanely crisp resolution of 3296 x 4272 pixels. It’s perfect for multitasking, creative work, or just binge-watching your favorite shows on a giant, sharp display.
Under the hood, you’ll find plenty of power to tackle everyday tasks and more demanding workloads. With up to 32GB of RAM and a choice of 1 or 2TB SSD storage, this laptop doesn’t compromise. Plus, at just 1.16kg, it stays light enough to toss in your bag without feeling like a workout.
MateBook Pro: Traditional Design, Modern OS
The MateBook Pro is the more familiar sibling in the lineup, sporting a classic clamshell design that most laptop users know and love. Its 14.2-inch OLED display delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it great for content creators or anyone who appreciates a gorgeous screen. It’s also got a fingerprint sensor built into the power button, so logging in is both secure and instantaneous.
The spec sheet rounds out with up to 32GB of RAM, Bluetooth 5.2, and plenty of USB-C ports that support high-speed data transfer and power delivery. A 70Wh battery keeps you unplugged for hours, while the 140W charger tops you off faster than most rivals. In short, it’s a high-end laptop dressed in a familiar suit but powered by an entirely new operating system.
HarmonyOS: A New Choice Beyond Windows and macOS
Of course, all this hardware flair would be pointless without a killer operating system. That’s where HarmonyOS comes into play. Previously confined to smartphones, tablets, and some IoT devices, Huawei has tailored HarmonyOS for the desktop experience.
Right now, around 150 applications are fully compatible with HarmonyOS on PC, and Huawei says another 2,000 are in the pipeline. The company also boasts a developer community of over 7.2 million contributors, all working to expand the HarmonyOS ecosystem. That’s crucial if Huawei wants to attract users tired of the Windows-macOS duopoly.
What This Means for the PC Market
Huawei’s move shakes up the status quo in the laptop world. For years, most PCs ran Windows, while Apple held the premium macOS segment. Huawei introducing HarmonyOS on high-end hardware offers consumers a third path, especially in markets where Huawei already has a strong foothold.
Of course, gaining traction outside of China will be a challenge. Many of the currently supported apps are aimed at Chinese users. But Huawei’s pitch is simple: get rid of US dependencies, give users a fresh experience, and build an ecosystem that can stand on its own. Whether HarmonyOS will catch fire globally remains to be seen, but Huawei has clearly laid out its vision.
Looking Ahead: HarmonyOS and Global Ambitions
For now, Huawei is focusing on its home turf, where it already commands a huge market share and strong developer support. But the long-term goal is global expansion. At the launch event, Huawei executives stressed that HarmonyOS offers “a new choice” beyond Windows and macOS for users worldwide.
To succeed, Huawei will need to ramp up partnerships with software developers and convince businesses to consider a non-Windows environment for their fleets. Given the scale of the PC market, even a small slice of global adoption could translate into millions of new HarmonyOS installations—and potentially shift the competitive landscape in Huawei’s favor.
