Huawei officially launched its HarmonyOS PC operating system on May 8, expanding into the computer market with a rebuilt OS featuring enhanced performance, security, and cross-device collaboration. The move positions Huawei to challenge Windows' dominance as it prepares to debut its first HarmonyOS-based PC at HDC 2025 next month.
According to Huawei Central, on May 8, Huawei has officially launched its HarmonyOS PC operating system, marking its expansion into the computer market. At its HarmonyOS Computer Technology and Ecosystem Communication Event, the company showcased a rebuilt OS featuring enhancements across the HarmonyOS Base, Ecosystem, and Experience layers. The system supports over 150 exclusive application, 2000+ universal application, and compatibility with 1000+ external devices, emphasizing smooth performance, advanced visuals, robust security, and multi-device collaboration features.
The HarmonyOS PC integrates Ark graphics for fluid visuals, StarShield Security for data protection, and Nearlink-powered device tracking. It also enables cross-device functions such as keyboard and mouse sharing, application continuation, and seamless office collaboration, positioning it as a key player in China's PC ecosystem.
HarmonyOS 6 and Huawei's PC ambitions to take center stage at HDC 2025
Meanwhile, Huawei's Developer Conference (HDC 2025) will take place from June 20 to 22. Alongside unveiling the latest HarmonyOS design upgrades, the company is expected to debut its first HarmonyOS-based PC, officially entering the desktop OS market.
At HDC 2024, Huawei launched HarmonyOS NEXT, its first version built entirely on OpenHarmony, with a focus on seamless, cross-device integration. HarmonyOS 6 is set to follow as the second native iteration, promising improved performance, security, and intelligent interconnectivity.
The event is expected to detail the HarmonyOS PC's system architecture, including enhanced cybersecurity, multi-device integration, and native AI capabilities, aimed at drawing developers and ecosystem partners into the fold.
Pushing for OS autonomy in China's AI PC era
Huawei began developing HarmonyOS in 2012 and released version 1.0 in 2019. By 2024, it launched HarmonyOS 5—the first version fully severed from Android dependencies.
HarmonyOS now runs on devices such as the Mate 60 smartphones, MatePad tablets, and Aito EVs. It holds a 19% share of China's mobile OS market—second only to Android—and exceeds 4% globally.
In March, Huawei Executive Director and Consumer BG Chairman Richard Yu teased the arrival of a "new HarmonyOS family member." He also warned in 2024 that Windows PCs could eventually be out of reach, emphasizing Huawei's push for a homegrown alternative.
With AI PCs forecast by Canalys to grow from 18% of global shipments in 2024 to 40% by 2025, Huawei's launch timing positions HarmonyOS PC as a strategic play in the race for AI-native, locally controlled desktop systems.
Separately, Shenzhen Kaihong Digital Industry Development Co., led by Wang Chenglu, former head of Huawei's software division, showcased its open-source HarmonyOS PC, the "Kaihong Computer," at the 8th Digital China Summit on May 2.
The Kaihong Computer supports popular apps like QQ, WeChat, Alibaba's DingTalk, and Tencent Meeting, and includes built-in AI features, highlighting the rise of China's domestically integrated hardware-software ecosystems.
By bringing HarmonyOS to desktops, Huawei is aiming for Windows' long-standing dominance while positioning itself as a frontrunner in China's growing Information Technology Application Innovation (ITAI) sector.
Article edited by Jingyue Hsiao
