Huawei Aims to Redefine the PC Experience: HarmonyOS Arriving at Desktops
Are we going to see a dramatic shift in the world of PC operating systems? Tech behemoth Huawei, already shaking the mobile universe with HarmonyOS, has unveiled its aggressive plan to conquer the desktop. According to recent Huawei consumer unit head Yu Chengdong's presentations, May this year is when we are going to see the large-scale debut of the HarmonyOS era – yes, PCs included.
Challenging the Giants: HarmonyOS Enters the PC Arena
Huawei is not just wading in; they're going for the whole nine yards. Their chairman courageously announced their hope for HarmonyOS to enter the top three PC operating systems. He did not mention names, but it is easy to tell who the targets are: the long-time reigning champions, Windows and macOS.
Let's take a look at the playing field today. February 2025 figures show Windows in the lead with an astonishing 70.62% market share, followed by macOS at a strong 15.74%. Linux comes in next, with a little over 3.81% of the market, a figure that has fallen a tad in recent times. (Statcounter, February 2025 data source).
The Strategy: Bypassing Linux to Get into the Big League?
It looks like Huawei's strategy is to be able to leapfrog over Linux and be the highly sought-after third-place finisher in the PC OS pecking order. It would not be out of place. Huawei has already demonstrated that it can upset and make new markets, notably in the mobile sector where HarmonyOS has emerged as a number-one-to-three challenger to Android and iOS.
Adding to this story is the latest news that Huawei's fresh HarmonyOS-based computers are built totally using hardware and software components that originate in China. This foray into independence may go over amazingly well in certain markets and spur Huawei's quest for dominance further.
Can HarmonyOS Shake the Applecart?
The question now is whether Huawei can repeat its mobile success in the PC market. Breaking the Windows/macOS duopoly is a daunting task, but Huawei's ambition and track record suggest they are serious contenders. The next two years will be fascinating to watch as HarmonyOS attempts to carve out a niche in the highly competitive PC operating system market. Will they succeed in shaking things up?
