Huawei has made another big splash in the tech world by launching the MateBook Fold and MateBook Pro, the first two laptops to run its own operating system, HarmonyOS 5. The move is part of Huawei's strategy to reduce its reliance on Western technology, especially after the United States imposed restrictions on Huawei's access to critical chips and software.
Why Huawei Developed HarmonyOS for Laptops?
Since 2019, Huawei has faced various challenges due to US technology export restrictions. The company can no longer use Microsoft's Windows or Apple's macOS freely. In response, Huawei began developing HarmonyOS, which was initially used for smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices.
Now, with the launch of the MateBook Fold and MateBook Pro, Huawei is expanding the HarmonyOS ecosystem into the world of computers and laptops, providing an alternative for users who want to escape the dominance of Western operating systems.
MateBook Fold & MateBook Pro Specifications and Features
Huawei presents two HarmonyOS laptop models with quite interesting specifications:
MateBook Fold
- 18-inch OLED screen that folds to 13 inches .
- 3.3K resolution with 4:3 aspect ratio.
- Advanced cooling system with dual fans and vapor chamber.
- Prices start at 23,999 yuan (around Rp. 54.4 million) .
MateBook Pro
- Conventional laptop design with a physical keyboard.
- Prices start at 7,999 yuan (around Rp. 18.1 million) .
- Support for over 150 applications , including WPS Office as an alternative to Microsoft Office and photo editing application Meitu Xiu Xiu .
Huawei did not reveal the specific chipset used in this laptop, but they did mention that the high price of this device is due to the production costs of the latest chipset.
Impact of HarmonyOS Laptop Launch
The launch of the HarmonyOS laptop has a huge impact on the global technology industry:
- Reducing Dependence on US Technology
With HarmonyOS, Huawei no longer relies on Windows or macOS , which have historically dominated the laptop market. - Enhancing the HarmonyOS Ecosystem
By the end of 2024 , more than 7.2 million developers had created apps for HarmonyOS, which is now installed on more than 1 billion devices , including smartphones and TVs . - Competition with Microsoft and Apple
Huawei is directly challenging the dominance of Windows and macOS , offering an alternative for users who want to try a new operating system.
Hope and Future of HarmonyOS
Despite being an icon for decades, HarmonyOS continues to evolve with new trends and design innovations. Some of the things we can expect from the future of this operating system include:
- Collaborating with more developers – Huawei is increasingly working with other tech companies to expand the HarmonyOS ecosystem.
- More environmentally friendly materials – With the increasing awareness of sustainability, it is likely that we will see an eco-friendly version of HarmonyOS in the next few years.
- Technology in design – Several innovations such as more advanced AI integration and stronger security features could be part of the future evolution of HarmonyOS.
Conclusion
The launch of MateBook Fold and MateBook Pro with HarmonyOS 5 marks a major step for Huawei in building a more independent technology ecosystem. With more apps supporting HarmonyOS and innovations in laptop design, Huawei has the potential to become a major player in the global computer industry.
Will HarmonyOS laptops be able to compete with Windows and macOS? We will find out in the next few months! I hope this article helps! If you have any additions or changes, let me know. 
