Huawei launched its first laptops running its in-house Harmony operating system on Monday, introducing a pair of models including an 18-inch foldable MateBook Fold in a direct challenge to Microsoft's Windows and Apple's macOS dominance. The move marks Huawei's boldest effort yet to assert independence from U.S. technology amid tightening export controls.
The flagship MateBook Fold and the conventional MateBook Pro are the first PCs powered by HarmonyOS 5, the latest iteration of the operating system Huawei began developing in 2015. "The Harmony laptop gives the world a new choice," Yu Chengdong, head of Huawei's consumer business group, said during a livestreamed launch. "We kept on doing the hard things but the right things."
The MateBook Fold, branded the "Ultimate Design," features a foldable 18-inch OLED screen with 3.3K resolution and a 4:3 aspect ratio, which collapses into a more compact 13-inch form. It offers a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1 and a peak brightness of 1,600 nits. At 1.16kg and 7.3mm thick when unfolded, the device targets high-end users, with a starting price of 23,999 yuan ($3,328). The MateBook Pro begins at 7,999 yuan.
Huawei did not specify which chip powers the new models but attributed the devices' premium pricing to costs associated with advanced manufacturing technologies. The company faces restrictions imposed by the U.S. since 2019, which have limited its access to critical components from firms like Intel and Qualcomm. Huawei declined to comment on chip specifics, but the move follows last year's launch of its first AI laptop, which ran on an Intel processor and drew scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers.
The MateBook Fold introduces a 285mm hinge-the largest of its kind-along with a three-stage torque system and flexible open angles up to 150 degrees. An upgraded diamond aluminum dual-fan system and vapor chamber are included for thermal management.
HarmonyOS 5 aims to bridge mobile and desktop ecosystems, integrating features such as unified gesture controls, improved app compatibility, and enhanced multitasking. Huawei claims the OS currently supports more than 150 applications, including WPS Office and Meitu's photo editor Xiu Xiu.
According to its latest annual report, Huawei's HarmonyOS has been installed on more than one billion devices, including smartphones, TVs, and tablets. Over 7.2 million developers are building apps for the platform.
The MateBook Fold includes high-end specifications such as an 8MP front-facing camera, a fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and two USB-C ports. It is equipped with six speakers, four microphones, and a 74.69Wh battery supporting 140W fast charging.
Color options for the Fold include Forged Shadow Black, Sky White, and Cloud Blue. The top-tier configuration, with 32GB RAM and 2TB storage, is priced at 26,999 yuan. Reservations opened Monday in China.
