As the global tech landscape shifts, Huawei has boldly stepped forward with its first laptop powered by HarmonyOS 5, signaling a significant departure from Microsoft Windows’s long-standing dominance on its devices. This launch marks a milestone for Huawei and the broader PC market, especially in China, where the company aims to reduce dependence on foreign operating systems and forge a path toward technological self-reliance.
Huawei’s unveiling of the HarmonyOS 5 laptop represents a pivotal moment in personal computing. With the expiration of its Microsoft Windows license earlier this year, Huawei has embraced its homegrown operating system, HarmonyOS, to power its new generation of laptops.
This transition is crucial for tech enthusiasts, Huawei users, Android developers, IT professionals, and observers of the US-China tech dynamics. The move promises to reshape the PC ecosystem by introducing a versatile, AI-powered, and secure alternative to Windows, enhancing device interoperability and strengthening China’s tech independence.
Understanding HarmonyOS 5 Laptop: Key Concepts and Features
HarmonyOS 5, also known as HarmonyOS Next, is Huawei’s latest self-developed operating system designed to unify and power a broad range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, wearables, and now laptops. Unlike earlier versions based on the Android Open Source Project,
HarmonyOS 5 is built on a proprietary Harmony kernel optimized for high performance, security, and seamless multi-device collaboration.
Core Features of HarmonyOS 5 on Laptops
AI Integration with Celia
The HarmonyOS 5 laptop integrates Huawei’s AI assistant Celia, which significantly enhances productivity and user interaction. Celia can manage meetings by providing AI meeting host reminders, generating real-time meeting summaries and minutes, and extracting information from multiple local documents through its AI Knowledge Space feature.
It also supports AI-powered writing assistance, offering templates and content generation for reports and presentations. Celia’s AI Image Interaction can extract text and tables from images and translate foreign languages, while its voice and text communication features allow seamless, hands-free interaction.
Smart Office Suite
HarmonyOS 5 includes an upgraded Smart Office suite designed to improve collaboration across devices. This suite enables users to share peripherals like keyboards and mice between devices, transfer files at high speed, and operate multiple devices in an integrated ecosystem.
The system supports multi-modal AI features that adapt to different work scenarios, helping users with tasks such as summarizing documents, generating reports, and managing schedules.
Security Enhancements
Security is a cornerstone of HarmonyOS 5. The OS introduces chip-level encryption, real-name developer verification, app store signature authentication, and a super privacy mode that can disable camera, microphone, and location access to protect user privacy.
Huawei’s StarShield security architecture underpins these protections, ensuring rigorous checks before apps are published on the HarmonyOS App Market, thus safeguarding users against malicious software.
User Interface (UI)
HarmonyOS 5’s UI blends familiar elements from traditional desktop environments with innovative features inspired by smartphones. It features a new App Dock at the bottom center of the screen, reminiscent of macOS’s Dock, providing quick access to pinned apps and system functions. The taskbar displays essential information such as time, battery, and network status on the right, with a quick settings menu accessible via icons.
Dynamic lighting effects react to the mouse cursor, and animated wallpapers add a modern aesthetic. Multitasking is enhanced with gestures like three-finger swipes to view all open windows side by side, facilitating efficient window management.
Expanding App Ecosystem
HarmonyOS 5 supports a growing ecosystem of applications, primarily drawn from HarmonyOS smartphones. Popular Chinese apps such as WPS Office (a Microsoft Office alternative), Alibaba’s DingTalk (enterprise collaboration), RedNote (social media), Bilibili (video sharing), and Feishu (enterprise communication) are already available. Huawei expects over 2,000 apps to be compatible by the end of 2025, expanding the OS’s utility for both work and entertainment.
Summary of the HarmonyOS 5 Laptop Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| AI Assistant (Celia) | Meeting reminders, document summarization, image text extraction, voice/text interaction |
| Smart Office Suite | Multi-device collaboration, peripheral sharing, and high-speed file transfer |
| Security | Chip-level encryption, developer verification, app signature checks, super privacy mode |
| User Interface | App Dock, dynamic lighting, animated wallpapers, multitasking gestures |
| App Ecosystem | Supports 2,000+ apps, including WPS, DingTalk, Bilibili, Feishu,and RedNote |
According to Huawei’s PC and tablet president, Zhu Dongdong, the integration of Celia AI assistant into HarmonyOS laptops marks a significant leap in productivity tools, enabling users to automate complex tasks like slide creation and meeting minute summarization, which traditionally require manual effort.
Industry analysts note that this AI-centric approach could redefine user expectations for laptop operating systems by embedding intelligent assistance directly into the workflow. HarmonyOS 5 on laptops is not just a replacement for Windows but an ambitious ecosystem strategy that leverages AI, security, and seamless device interconnectivity to create a new paradigm in personal computing.
Its user-friendly interface and expanding app ecosystem make it a compelling choice for Huawei device users, developers interested in multi-platform applications, and enterprises seeking alternatives amid geopolitical uncertainties.
Current Trends and Developments in HarmonyOS 5 Laptop
Huawei is set to officially launch its first HarmonyOS 5 laptop on May 19, 2025, marking a major milestone in the company’s strategic pivot away from Microsoft Windows following the expiration of its Windows license in March 2025. This launch highlights several key trends and developments shaping Huawei’s new PC ecosystem and reflects broader shifts in the global technology landscape.
Technological Independence and Ecosystem Expansion
The expiration of Huawei’s Windows license has accelerated the company’s push toward technological self-reliance. HarmonyOS 5-powered laptops fill a decades-long gap in China’s domestic mainstream computer operating systems, which have historically relied heavily on foreign platforms like Windows and macOS. By developing and deploying HarmonyOS 5 on laptops, Huawei is reducing its dependence on external software vendors and mitigating risks linked to geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.
HarmonyOS 5 is designed as a unified operating system that runs across smartphones, tablets, wearables, TVs, and now PCs, enabling Huawei to build a seamless multi-device ecosystem. This strategy mirrors Apple’s approach with macOS, iOS, and iPadOS but is tailored to Huawei’s hardware portfolio and the Chinese market.
The OS will support over 2,000 apps by the end of 2025, including popular Chinese productivity and entertainment applications such as WPS Office, DingTalk, RedNote, Bilibili, and Feishu, enhancing its appeal to both consumers and enterprise users.
AI-Driven Productivity Enhancements
HarmonyOS 5 integrates advanced AI capabilities through Huawei’s Celia assistant, which is a standout feature on the new laptops. Celia can automate complex office tasks such as creating presentation slides, summarizing meeting minutes, and retrieving information from local documents when integrated with third-party software.
The AI assistant also supports image text extraction, language translation, and voice/text communication, boosting workplace efficiency and user convenience.
These AI-driven features demonstrate Huawei’s commitment to embedding intelligent productivity tools directly into the operating system, positioning HarmonyOS 5 as more than just a Windows alternative but as a platform that can fundamentally enhance how users interact with their devices.
Seamless Cross-Device Collaboration
A defining characteristic of HarmonyOS 5 is its ability to facilitate smooth interaction across multiple Huawei devices. The OS enables users to control smartphones, tablets, and laptops with a single keyboard and mouse, transfer files effortlessly, and continue applications seamlessly between devices.
For example, users can write messages on their smartphone using the laptop keyboard or copy files from a tablet and paste them into the notebook. This level of integration fosters a unified user experience and strengthens Huawei’s ecosystem, encouraging users to remain within the HarmonyOS environment across all their devices. Such cross-device functionality is critical in today’s multi-device world and is a key selling point for Huawei’s HarmonyOS laptops.
Enhanced Security and Privacy
HarmonyOS 5 introduces robust security features tailored to address growing concerns about data protection and privacy, especially relevant for government, financial, and enterprise sectors. The OS includes chip-level encryption, real-name developer verification, app store signature authentication, and a super privacy mode that can disable the camera, microphone, and location access.
Huawei’s StarShield security architecture underpins these protections, ensuring that apps undergo rigorous checks before publication on the HarmonyOS App Market. This comprehensive security framework aims to build trust among users and enterprises wary of surveillance and cyber threats.
Market Positioning and Future Outlook
Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5 laptop, exemplified by the recently revealed MateBook Pro running the new OS, offers a smooth user experience with a modern UI that blends familiar desktop paradigms with innovative AI and multitasking features. Although the company has not disclosed detailed hardware specifications, the laptop supports fast charging, fingerprint authentication, and a visually appealing design.
Importantly, the HarmonyOS laptop is expected to maintain compatibility with Intel and AMD processors, and early indications suggest that users might be able to dual-boot Windows if needed, providing flexibility during the transition period.
Huawei’s Developer Conference (HDC) 2025, scheduled for June, is anticipated to showcase further HarmonyOS advancements, including HarmonyOS 6 and new PC hardware, signaling Huawei’s long-term commitment to expanding its independent ecosystem and challenging Windows’ dominance in the PC market.
Summary of the Current Trends and Developments
| Trend/Development | Description |
|---|---|
| Technological Independence | Huawei’s move to HarmonyOS 5 laptops reduces reliance on Windows, promoting domestic OS innovation. |
| AI-Driven Productivity | Integration of Celia AI assistant automates office tasks and enhances user experience. |
| Cross-Device Collaboration | Seamless multi-device control and file sharing strengthen Huawei’s ecosystem |
| Security & Privacy | Advanced encryption, developer verification, and privacy modes address growing data protection needs. |
| Market Positioning | Launch of MateBook Pro with HarmonyOS 5 and potential dual-boot options support user flexibility. |
Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5 laptop launch is a strategic response to geopolitical challenges and an ambitious effort to redefine the PC experience through AI, security, and ecosystem integration. For tech enthusiasts, developers, and enterprises, it signals a new era where alternative operating systems can compete seriously with established players like Windows and macOS.
Case Studies and Real-World Applications of HarmonyOS 5 Laptop
Huawei MateBook Pro 2025 Hands-On Experience
The Huawei MateBook Pro 2025, the first laptop running HarmonyOS 5, has garnered significant attention following its recent unveiling. Early hands-on reviews from tech enthusiasts and consumers reveal a smooth, visually appealing user experience that blends familiar elements from Windows and macOS, making the transition easier for users accustomed to traditional PC environments.
The device features a sleek, matte-textured chassis with a greyish-blue color scheme and subtle Huawei branding. The keyboard replaces the traditional Windows key with a HarmonyOS logo key and includes a dedicated AI assistant button, underscoring the system’s integration with Huawei’s Celia AI assistant.
Celia’s practical applications in office settings have been widely praised. Users can command Celia to create presentation slides, summarize meeting minutes, and retrieve information from local documents, provided necessary third-party apps are installed.
This AI integration enhances productivity by automating routine tasks, a feature that sets HarmonyOS 5 laptops apart from many competitors. The MateBook Pro supports fast 140W charging via USB-C and includes a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button for quick and secure login.
The HarmonyOS interface features a centralized app dock, dynamic lighting effects, and multitasking gestures such as three-finger swipes to view open windows side by side, contributing to a modern and intuitive user experience.
Notably, the MateBook Pro 2025 is powered by Huawei’s in-house Kirin X90 SoC, an ARM-based chip designed to offer high performance and energy efficiency. This integration of proprietary hardware and software is being compared to Apple’s “Silicon” strategy, marking a significant step toward Huawei’s technological independence.
While the device currently supports a growing ecosystem of HarmonyOS smartphone apps, including popular Chinese apps like WPS Office, DingTalk, RedNote, Bilibili, and Feishu, Huawei plans to expand this app library to over 2,000 by the end of 2025. This expanding ecosystem is crucial for user adoption and productivity.
Developer Adaptations and Ecosystem Growth
Developers have made promising strides in adapting HarmonyOS for PC use beyond Huawei’s official hardware. Experimental installations of HarmonyOS on various PC hardware have demonstrated compatibility with standard interfaces such as USB, SATA, and PCIe.
These developments indicate that HarmonyOS has the flexibility to support a wide range of peripherals and hardware configurations, which is essential for broader adoption.
Huawei’s commitment to expanding the HarmonyOS ecosystem is evident in its efforts to attract third-party developers and encourage app development tailored for laptops and desktops. The company’s StarShield security architecture and developer verification processes aim to foster a secure and trustworthy app marketplace, which is critical for enterprise and consumer confidence.
The growing app ecosystem, combined with HarmonyOS’s AI capabilities and seamless multi-device collaboration, positions Huawei’s HarmonyOS laptops as a viable alternative to Windows-based PCs, especially in markets where geopolitical factors limit access to traditional operating systems.
Summary of the HarmonyOS 5 Laptop Case Studies
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Device | Huawei MateBook Pro 2025 |
| Hardware | Powered by Kirin X90 ARM-based SoC, 10-core (4+4+2) / 20-thread configuration |
| User Experience | Smooth UI blending Windows/macOS elements, dynamic lighting, multitasking gestures |
| AI Features | Celia’s assistant for slide creation, meeting summarization, and document retrieval |
| App Ecosystem | Supports popular Chinese apps; over 2,000 apps expected by the end of 2025 |
| Developer Adaptations | Experimental HarmonyOS installations on PC hardware showing USB, SATA, PCIe compatibility |
| Strategic Significance | Marks Huawei’s move toward hardware-software integration and ecosystem independence |
According to industry insiders, Huawei’s MateBook Pro 2025 represents a milestone in the company’s journey to build an independent computing ecosystem. The integration of the Kirin X90 chip with HarmonyOS 5 delivers a tightly coupled hardware-software experience reminiscent of Apple’s approach with its M-series chips and macOS. However, the key challenge remains expanding app compatibility and convincing users and developers to transition from entrenched platforms.
Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5 laptop launch and developer ecosystem growth illustrate the company’s resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges and its ambition to redefine the PC experience through AI, security, and cross-device collaboration.
FAQs
What is HarmonyOS 5, and how does it differ from Windows?
HarmonyOS 5 is Huawei’s proprietary operating system designed to run across multiple device types, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and wearables. Unlike Windows, HarmonyOS emphasizes deep AI integration, seamless cross-device collaboration, and enhanced security features tailored specifically for Huawei’s ecosystem.
It offers a unified experience where devices communicate fluidly, supported by a new Harmony kernel, StarShield security, and the Ark graphics engine. While Windows boasts a vast legacy app ecosystem, HarmonyOS focuses on optimizing device-level integration and AI-powered productivity tools.
Will HarmonyOS 5 support popular Windows applications?
Currently, HarmonyOS 5 supports over 150 native PC apps and more than 2,000 universal apps, mostly optimized for Huawei’s ecosystem. Popular Chinese applications like WPS Office, DingTalk, RedNote, Bilibili, and Feishu are available.
However, many widely used Western desktop applications, such as Adobe Photoshop and Premiere, are not yet adapted for HarmonyOS laptops. Compatibility with apps like WeChat and QQ is still pending, with ongoing efforts to expand the app ecosystem. Thus, while HarmonyOS supports many essential apps, it has a way to go before matching Windows’ extensive software library.
How does HarmonyOS 5 enhance security compared to traditional operating systems?
HarmonyOS 5 introduces multiple layers of security enhancements, including chip-level encryption, real-name developer verification, app store signature authentication, and a super privacy mode that can disable camera, microphone, and location access.
The Huawei StarShield security architecture ensures rigorous app vetting before publication, protecting users from malicious software and unauthorized data access. These features aim to provide robust data protection and privacy, addressing concerns especially relevant for government, financial, and enterprise users.
What AI features does HarmonyOS 5 offer on laptops?
HarmonyOS 5 integrates Huawei’s AI assistant Celia, which assists users by creating presentation slides, summarizing meetings, and retrieving information from local documents. Other AI capabilities include meeting reminders, AI writing templates, image text extraction, and translation, as well as voice and text communication enhancements. Celia functions similarly to Microsoft Copilot, appearing as a chatbot window that interacts with documents and apps to boost productivity and user convenience.
How does HarmonyOS 5 improve productivity for enterprise users?
HarmonyOS 5 offers an enterprise-grade system base combined with cloud service platforms that facilitate application deployment, business management, and secure collaboration. It’s a smart office suite that enables seamless multi-device collaboration, allowing users to control smartphones, tablets, and laptops with a single keyboard and mouse, transfer files easily, and interact across apps in real time.
Enhanced AI tools automate routine tasks like note-taking and meeting summarization, while security features protect sensitive enterprise data. These capabilities position HarmonyOS 5 as a competitive platform for business environments seeking efficiency and security.
In Conclusion
Huawei’s launch of the HarmonyOS 5 laptop marks a transformative moment in personal computing, particularly for users and businesses seeking alternatives to the entrenched Windows and macOS ecosystems.
By integrating advanced AI-driven productivity tools like the Celia assistant, robust security measures including chip-level encryption and privacy modes, and seamless cross-device collaboration across Huawei’s ecosystem, HarmonyOS 5 establishes itself as a credible, innovative operating system tailored for a new era of intelligent, interconnected devices.
This strategic move underscores Huawei’s resilience and technological independence amid ongoing geopolitical challenges, especially following the expiration of its Windows license in March 2025. HarmonyOS 5 addresses long-standing challenges faced by domestic software developers through its “develop once, deploy everywhere” framework, which reduces development costs and enhances compatibility across over 2,000 apps and 1,000 external devices expected by year-end 2025.
The system’s architecture, featuring the Harmony kernel, StarShield security, and Ark graphics engine, promises smooth performance and advanced visuals that Huawei claims rival or exceed Windows, though independent benchmarks are awaited.
For tech enthusiasts, developers, and enterprises, the HarmonyOS 5 laptop offers a glimpse into a future where computing is more secure, AI-enhanced, and deeply integrated across multiple device types. Huawei’s commitment to expanding its app ecosystem and refining the OS positions HarmonyOS 5 to become a significant player in the global PC market, especially in regions prioritizing technological sovereignty and ecosystem integration.
As Huawei prepares to showcase further HarmonyOS innovations at its upcoming Developer Conference in June 2025, the HarmonyOS 5 laptop launch signals the beginning of a new competitive chapter in the PC operating system landscape.
In summary, Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5 laptop not only challenges the status quo of PC operating systems but also exemplifies a broader shift toward domestically developed, AI-powered, and secure computing platforms that may redefine user experience and industry dynamics worldwide.
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