Chinese technology giant Huawei has announced the release of a full-fledged version of its HarmonyOS operating system for personal computers, marking an important step in the company's strategy to create its own software ecosystem.
G. Ostrov
Huawei has taken a significant step in the development of its ecosystem by officially presenting a version of the HarmonyOS operating system (also known as HongmengOS in China) designed for personal computers. This release marks a new phase in the company's technological independence strategy, which began in 2019 after the imposition of trade restrictions by the United States.
Features of HarmonyOS for PC
HarmonyOS for PC is built on a microkernel architecture that provides enhanced security and system flexibility. The operating system offers a modular design and a unified development platform for various devices, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and desktop computers.
Key features of the new OS include:
- Seamless integration with other devices in the Huawei ecosystem
- Distributed architecture allowing applications to work across different devices without reinstallation
- Enhanced data protection and privacy
- Energy-efficient operation mode that increases battery life
- Proprietary AppGallery app store with a growing base of native applications
Compatibility with Existing Applications
One of the key questions for the new operating system is compatibility with existing applications. According to Huawei, HarmonyOS for PC will support running most popular Windows applications through a special compatibility layer. Additionally, the system will be able to run Linux applications and mobile applications from the Huawei ecosystem.
The company is actively working with developers worldwide to create native applications for HarmonyOS, offering various tools and financial incentives. At launch, over 5,000 applications optimized for PC operation are available in the AppGallery store.
Hardware Requirements and Availability
HarmonyOS for PC will be available both on new Huawei computers and for installation on existing devices. Minimum system requirements include a processor with a clock speed of 1.6 GHz or higher (2.0 GHz and above recommended), 4 GB of RAM (8 GB and above recommended), and 64 GB of free hard drive space.
The first devices with pre-installed HarmonyOS, including MateBook series laptops, will go on sale in China in June 2025. The international release is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, starting with markets in Asia and Europe.
Strategic Importance
The launch of HarmonyOS for PC is a key element in Huawei's strategy to create a full-fledged alternative to existing operating systems. This is particularly important in the context of ongoing trade restrictions that limit the company's access to American technologies, including Microsoft Windows and Google Android operating systems.
Richard Yu, head of Huawei's consumer division, noted during the presentation: "HarmonyOS for PC is not just an operating system, but an entirely new paradigm of device interaction in the digital ecosystem. We aim to create a seamless experience for our users regardless of which device they use."
Market Reaction and Prospects
Industry analysts rate HarmonyOS's chances of success as moderate. On one hand, creating a new ecosystem and attracting developers is a challenging task. On the other hand, Huawei's strong positions in the smartphone and other device markets, especially in China, may help the company promote its operating system.
According to forecasts by analytics firm Counterpoint Research, by the end of 2026, HarmonyOS could capture up to 5% of the global PC operating system market, with a substantially higher share in the Chinese market – up to 20%.
Additional information about HarmonyOS for PC can be found on the official Huawei website.