Huawei has officially entered the PC operating system arena with HarmonyOS PC, a bold move that signals its ambition to challenge the dominance of Windows and macOS. The new OS, launching this May 2025, is designed to deliver a seamless, secure, and interconnected experience across desktops and laptops, building on the foundation laid by HarmonyOS in smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices.
HarmonyOS was first introduced in 2019 as a direct response to U.S. sanctions that cut Huawei off from Google’s Android and Microsoft’s Windows. Initially deployed on smart TVs, HarmonyOS rapidly evolved into a multi-device platform. The PC version is a natural extension of Huawei’s strategy to reduce reliance on Western software and foster a unified ecosystem for its growing portfolio of devices.
HarmonyOS NEXT: A Fully Independent Platform
The PC operating system is based on HarmonyOS NEXT, which marks a significant departure from earlier versions. Unlike its predecessors that relied on Android and Linux for compatibility, HarmonyOS NEXT is built entirely on Huawei’s proprietary microkernel, the HongMeng Kernel.
This means the OS is no longer compatible with Android or Windows apps, focusing instead on native HarmonyOS applications developed with the Ark Compiler and HarmonyOS SDK. This shift ensures Huawei’s complete independence from U.S.-based software and lays the groundwork for a truly self-sufficient ecosystem.
User Interface and Design
HarmonyOS PC presents a user interface that feels both familiar and fresh. The top of the screen features a status bar reminiscent of a smartphone’s control center, offering quick access to settings and notifications. At the bottom, a dock bar provides easy access to system and third-party applications, much like macOS. The fullscreen, minimize, and close buttons are positioned on the right, adopting a layout similar to macOS’s “traffic light” system.
Animations in HarmonyOS PC are designed to run smoothly at 120 frames per second, ensuring a visually fluid experience even when multiple windows are open. The system is engineered to open large files in seconds, thanks to the Ark Graphics Engine, which uses pixel-level occlusion culling to maintain smooth performance during multi-window operations. The OS also features dedicated widgets optimized for both large and small screens, making it highly adaptable for laptops and desktops.
Security and Privacy
Security is a cornerstone of HarmonyOS PC. The system employs chip-level full-disk encryption, which ensures that data remains secure even if the hard drive is physically removed. HarmonyOS PC has achieved three high-level security certifications, including kernel-level security. It also integrates unified app permission controls, combining role-based and capability-based access models for granular management. Automatic scanning for security risks, virus detection, and protection against malicious apps are built in, mirroring the robust protections found in HarmonyOS 4 for mobile devices.
Cross-Device Collaboration
One of the standout features of HarmonyOS PC is its seamless integration with other HarmonyOS devices. The “Super Device” feature allows users to transfer files, audio, and video playback across devices using SuperHub, and manage all device connections from a unified Control Panel. The OS supports cross-device gallery access, app hopping, and real-time data sharing through distributed soft bus technology. While details are still emerging, the “hand-eye walk” function hints at intuitive, possibly gesture-based, navigation for even more natural device interaction.
AI and Accessibility
HarmonyOS PC comes equipped with native generative AI capabilities powered by Huawei’s Pangu AI model. The Celia/XiaoYi voice assistant, available in both Chinese and English, is deeply integrated into the system, offering proactive suggestions and services. Developers can leverage Celia’s APIs to build intelligent, context-aware applications. Accessibility features include AI-powered voice support for hearing aids and visual aids to enhance usability for all users. The system also supports edge computing APIs for generative AI and multimodal learning, enabling advanced on-device processing.
Performance Optimizations
The HarmonyOS PC kernel is designed for efficiency and speed. Huawei claims it is three times more memory-efficient than Linux, with application response times improved by over 25% and interprocess communication five times faster than existing systems. The Ark Graphics Engine ensures efficient rendering, and the system is optimized for rapid file handling and consistent performance, even under heavy workloads. Huawei’s emphasis on GPU software innovation is expected to deliver a superior experience, especially on devices powered by the upcoming Kirin PC processor.
App Ecosystem
HarmonyOS PC uses HarmonyOS Ability Packages (HAP) for native applications. As of late 2024, over 6.75 million developers are registered, and more than 10,000 apps and services are available, including adoption by government agencies. While the OS does not support Android apps, it may offer limited support for Windows applications through a multi-platform simulator engine, easing the transition for users accustomed to Windows software. The Huawei AppGallery serves as the primary app store, and developers can use DevEco Studio IDE to build and test their applications, with support for JavaScript, TypeScript, and eTS programming languages.
Hardware and Availability
HarmonyOS PC will debut on Huawei’s MateBook laptops and MateStation desktops, with the MateBook X Pro likely being the first device to feature the OS. An “AI PC” powered by Huawei’s Kunpeng CPU is also expected, potentially launching in April 2025. The initial rollout will focus on the Chinese market due to strong domestic demand and ongoing U.S. sanctions, but the open-source roots of OpenHarmony could eventually enable broader adoption.
Ecosystem and Industry Impact
HarmonyOS PC positions Huawei as a serious competitor to Windows and macOS, especially in China, where government initiatives are pushing to phase out Western technology by 2027. Huawei’s investment in developer support and job creation highlights its commitment to building a robust ecosystem. While the OS faces competition from other domestic platforms and skepticism abroad, its established device ecosystem and growing app library give it a strong foundation for future growth.
Performance and Testing
Early tests of HarmonyOS PC on beta hardware have shown smooth operation and responsive input, though some performance-heavy tasks still require optimization. Huawei’s efficiency claims, if realized, could make HarmonyOS PC a lightweight and high-performance alternative for both consumer and industrial use.
Potential Limitations
Despite its strengths, HarmonyOS PC’s app ecosystem is still maturing, and limited support for popular Windows applications may pose challenges for users with specific software needs. Global adoption may be hindered by geopolitical concerns and the absence of Google or Microsoft services, but within China, HarmonyOS PC is poised to make a significant impact.
