Huawei Develops Own Operating System Amid U.S. Chip and Windows Ban

Huawei’s Bold Move: Ditching Windows for HarmonyOS and Linux

By Archyde News – March 21, 2025

The End of an Era: Huawei Moves Away from Windows

In a meaningful shift, Huawei is preparing to transition its computer business away from Microsoft Windows, according to recent industry reports.This move comes after an exception, which allowed Huawei to use Intel and Qualcomm chips despite being on the U.S. sanctions list, expired a year ago. The change,expected to fully materialize this March,will see future Huawei computers,including the popular Matebook line,running on alternative operating systems and hardware.

The implications for U.S. consumers and businesses are considerable. While Huawei’s presence in the U.S. PC market is limited due to existing sanctions, this progress signals a broader trend of decoupling in the tech industry. companies like Google, with its ChromeOS, have already demonstrated the viability of Windows alternatives, particularly in the education sector. Huawei’s move could further accelerate the adoption of non-Windows platforms, perhaps impacting Microsoft’s dominance in the long run.

Embracing Homegrown Solutions: HiSilicon and Chinese Manufacturing

Facing restrictions on Western technology, Huawei is increasingly relying on its own resources. Through its subsidiary, HiSilicon, the company is designing and producing chips for its mobile devices and other electronics. While these chips are currently manufactured in Chinese factories,which are perceived by some as “technologically worse,” Huawei is actively working to improve its domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Adding fuel to the fire, recent reports have surfaced alleging that huawei has been procuring TSMC chips through a network of shell companies, circumventing U.S. government sanctions. This alleged practice raises concerns about compliance and highlights the challenges of enforcing technology restrictions in a globalized market. It’s akin to the ongoing debate surrounding tariffs and trade with China, where U.S. companies often struggle to compete with subsidized or state-backed enterprises.

HarmonyOS and Linux: The Future of Huawei Computers

For Huawei, the termination of its Windows license may not be a crippling blow. The company’s Kirin and Kunpeng systems are not designed to run Microsoft’s operating system natively. Rather, Huawei is exploring Linux-based solutions and its own harmonyos as alternatives. The company is reportedly planning to release a Matebook D16 model pre-installed with Linux in the near future, signaling a clear commitment to open-source platforms.

HarmonyOS, already running on Huawei’s mobile phones and tablets, represents the company’s long-term vision for a unified operating system across all its devices. The latest version, HarmonyOS NEXT, features a unique microkernel architecture and application interface.While earlier versions of HarmonyOS were compatible with Android applications, Huawei has since opted to build a wholly self-reliant platform. The company envisions HarmonyOS powering a wide range of devices, creating a seamless ecosystem for its users, similar to Apple’s approach with iOS and macOS.

On mobile and tablets, its Harmonyos (Next) is already running with a unique micro -core and application interface for which the new software is still being created.

This transition presents both opportunities and challenges for Huawei. On the one hand, it allows the company to control its own destiny and reduce its reliance on U.S. technology. Conversely, it requires significant investment in software development and ecosystem building. Convincing developers to create applications for HarmonyOS, as a notable example, will be crucial to its success. This is an area where U.S. companies like Netflix and Spotify would need to be courted actively.

Analysis: A Strategic Gamble with Global Implications

Huawei’s decision to move away from Windows is a strategic gamble with potentially far-reaching implications for the global technology landscape. It underscores the growing tensions between the U.S. and China and the increasing desire for technological self-sufficiency among Chinese companies. While the transition may present short-term challenges for Huawei, it could also pave the way for long-term growth and innovation.

The success of this strategy will depend on several factors. first, Huawei must continue to invest in its domestic chip manufacturing capabilities to reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers. Second, it must build a vibrant ecosystem around HarmonyOS to attract developers and users. Third, it must navigate the complex geopolitical landscape to avoid further sanctions and restrictions. Ultimately, Huawei’s ability to overcome these challenges will determine whether its bold move away from Windows will be a success.

Potential Counterarguments and Criticisms

Despite the potential benefits, Huawei’s move away from Windows faces several potential counterarguments and criticisms. One major concern is the maturity and competitiveness of HarmonyOS compared to established operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Android. Critics argue that HarmonyOS lacks the extensive app ecosystem and user base necessary to compete effectively in the global market. they point to the previous difficulties faced by other operating systems attempting to challenge the dominance of Android and iOS in the mobile space.

Another concern revolves around the performance and reliability of Huawei’s homegrown chips. While HiSilicon has made significant progress in chip design, concerns remain about the manufacturing capabilities of Chinese factories compared to leading foundries like TSMC and Samsung. Some argue that Huawei’s reliance on domestic manufacturing could result in lower performance and higher defect rates, potentially impacting the user experience.

Moreover, the allegations of sanctions violations raise ethical and legal questions about Huawei’s business practices. Critics argue that the company’s alleged use of shell companies to procure restricted technology undermines international trade rules and erodes trust in its commitment to compliance.This could lead to further scrutiny from regulators and potentially harm its reputation in the global market.

Will consumers prioritize features, performance, and ecosystem or national allegiance when choosing between HarmonyOS devices and alternatives?

Huawei’s OS Shift: An Exclusive Interview with Tech Strategy Analyst, Dr. Mei Lin

By Archyde News

Introduction

Archyde News recently sat down with Dr. Mei Lin,a leading tech strategy analyst specializing in the Chinese technology sector,to discuss huawei’s bold move away from Microsoft’s Windows and the implications of its transition to HarmonyOS and Linux. Dr. Lin provides expert insights into the challenges, opportunities, and global impact of this significant shift.

The Windows Departure

archyde News: Dr. Lin, Huawei’s decision to move off Windows is a major announcement. Can you explain the primary drivers behind this strategic pivot?

Dr. Lin: The move is multi-faceted. Primarily, it’s about circumventing U.S. sanctions. Huawei’s access to Intel and Qualcomm chips has been severely restricted. By adopting Linux-based systems and HarmonyOS, huawei gains more control over its supply chain and reduces its dependence on U.S. technology.This is a move toward technological self-sufficiency.

Archyde News: The report highlights Huawei’s dependence on hisilicon for chip design and increasing domestic manufacturing. How critical is this to their success?

Dr. Lin: It’s absolutely critical. Huawei has been investing heavily in hisilicon and domestic manufacturing.While these factories are still considered behind foundries like TSMC, the investment is crucial to achieve greater independence. Huawei is also exploring new chip architectures to overcome certain technological blocks imposed by sanctions.

HarmonyOS and the Future

Archyde News: HarmonyOS is designed to unify their ecosystem. What are the primary advantages of this approach, and what hurdles does it face?

Dr. Lin: HarmonyOS offers a unified user experience across all devices. The microkernel design is indeed unique, which gives Huawei a theoretical advantage with increased security & performance. though, the greatest hurdle is the app ecosystem. Huawei needs to convince developers to create apps for HarmonyOS. Attracting developers is going to be huge, even for large-scale players like Netflix or Spotify.

archyde News: Huawei is reportedly planning a Linux-based Matebook model. How does Linux fit into their strategy?

Dr. Lin: Linux offers a mature, open-source alternative. While it will continue to be significant, HarmonyOS is clearly central to their long-term vision. The initial Linux offering is highly likely to be one of many steps that huawei is going to take to solidify its role in the market.They need to ensure a seamless transition and Linux offers more compatibility. The integration with their homegrown architecture is extremely important.

Global Implications

Archyde News: What do you see as the broader implications of Huawei’s move, notably concerning the ongoing tech trade war?

Dr. Lin: Huawei’s actions are a major driver of tech decoupling or the “splinternet.” It creates separate technology ecosystems, increasing the fragmentation of the global market. This impacts U.S. companies heavily that benefit from the global reach. It’s a move towards a more fragmented technology world. It will potentially accelerate the adoption of alternative operating systems globally.

Archyde News: Critics have raised concerns about HarmonyOS’s competitiveness and chip performance. Do you share these concerns?

Dr. Lin: Yes. HarmonyOS needs to establish itself with a full eco-system to convince consumers in the short to mid-term. Huawei will need to build a strong ecosystem. If they can’t it will be a problem. Similarly, the performance and manufacturing capabilities are key factors. While progress is visible, it’s crucial for them to close the significant gap with the current market leaders in the segment.

The Road Ahead

Archyde News: How do you see Huawei navigating the geopolitical landscape to ensure this strategy’s success?

Dr. Lin: Huawei has a long road in front. Ensuring compliance with existing and emerging sanctions is crucial. They must navigate global regulations and maintain relationships to ensure chip supply for the PC line. Continuous investment in R&D is vital as is the appeal to developers globally,not just in China.

Reader Engagement

Archyde News: Dr. Lin, thank you for your insights. A final thought, what is the single most important thing Huawei must accomplish to make this OS shift succeed?

Dr.Lin: They must first ensure their software and hardware perform together on par with global quality standards in a stable and secure manner. Then build a vibrant and globally appealable ecosystem. It’s both about the technology itself and the ecosystem that grows behind it. The biggest challenge will be the developers.

Archyde News: what question should our readers consider regarding this shift?

Dr. Lin: Will consumers prioritize features, performance, and ecosystem or national allegiance when choosing between HarmonyOS devices and alternatives?

Let us know your responses in the comments below.