Huawei is preparing to introduce a new lineup of notebooks powered by its own proprietary chipset, marking a significant step toward greater self-reliance in the global computing market. The company recently secured certification for its first PC processor in China, signaling its move away from Intel and AMD solutions.
Introducing the Kirin X90 PC
The Kirin X90 PC, Huawei’s new ARM-based processor, is expected to power the company’s upcoming notebooks. This strategy mirrors Apple’s successful transition to in-house ARM chips with the M-series, which have set benchmarks for performance and energy efficiency in MacBooks. By adopting a similar approach, Huawei aims to deliver high-performing laptops with extended battery life, positioning itself as a strong competitor in the ARM-powered notebook market.
5G Connectivity and Advanced Chip Production
Alongside the Kirin X90 PC, Huawei has also certified additional ARM-based chips designed for connected notebooks, potentially integrating 5G modem support. These processors are expected to be manufactured using SMIC’s 7nm process, showcasing Huawei’s progress in semiconductor development despite U.S. trade restrictions that have limited its access to cutting-edge chip fabrication technologies.
HarmonyOS Next and the End of Windows Support
A major shift is also anticipated in Huawei’s software ecosystem. With Microsoft’s license to collaborate with Huawei expiring at the end of March, the company is expected to equip its new notebooks with HarmonyOS Next instead of Windows. Given the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions, the likelihood of the U.S. government renewing Microsoft’s license is slim, prompting Huawei to accelerate its transition toward a fully independent operating system.
Huawei’s Challenge in the ARM Laptop Market
The introduction of Kirin X90 PC-powered notebooks represents a bold step for Huawei as it seeks to compete against Apple’s MacBooks and challenge the dominant x86 ecosystem led by Intel and AMD. However, the company still faces significant challenges, including proving the performance of its new processors, refining HarmonyOS for laptops, and attracting developers to build a strong software ecosystem.
As Huawei moves forward with its vision of a self-sufficient computing platform, the industry will be watching closely to see whether this strategy can gain traction in the global market.
Stay tuned to DC Brief for further updates on this story and other technology developments.
