17-03-2025
Tech war: Huawei develops computer chips in move away from Intel, Windows
Huawei Technologies has taken a step forward in phasing out American hardware and software from its personal computers, as it navigates ongoing US sanctions.
The government-backed China Information Technology Security Evaluation Centre said on Friday that the Kirin X90 chip - a central processing unit (CPU) developed by Huawei's chip design arm, HiSilicon - received a Level 2 national certification for security reliability.
The certification, which is voluntary, allows companies to assess the security levels of their domestically designed and produced computers, server CPUs and systems. It often serves as a precursor to adoption.
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Huawei's self-developed Kirin 9000C, used in its Qingyun W515x personal computer (PC) launched last May, as well as the Kirin 9006C featured in the Qingyun L540 laptop, both received certifications previously. The Qingyun computer series is designed for government and enterprise users.
Richard Yu Chengdong, chairman of Huawei's consumer business group, holds a Matebook X Pro at a launch event in April 2024. Photo: Handout alt=Richard Yu Chengdong, chairman of Huawei's consumer business group, holds a Matebook X Pro at a launch event in April 2024. Photo: Handout>
The company's efforts come as the US-sanctioned company seeks to replace American components in its PC business. In May, Washington revoked special licences that had allowed chip suppliers Qualcomm and Intel to sell older-generation semiconductors to Huawei for use in its laptops and smartphones.
Most of Huawei's consumer laptops were powered by Intel's Core processors, with exceptions such as the Matebook E Go, which uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon chip.
Huawei's licence to use Microsoft's Windows operating system is also set to end this month without renewal, and the Chinese company plans to launch PCs running its own HarmonyOS system later this year, according to a report from Chinese news outlet on Friday.
Huawei on Monday declined to comment on its plans regarding PC chips and operating systems.
The company's most recent major PC launch was the MateBook GT 14 in August. The device featured an Intel Core processor and Windows software.
Richard Yu Chengdong, chairman of Huawei's consumer business group, told state broadcaster China Central Television in September that its current laptops might be the last to run on Windows, with future models expected to use HarmonyOS.
Huawei is intensifying its efforts to expand its growing PC business. Its desktop and notebook shipments grew 15 per cent in 2024, reaching 4.3 million units, according to a Canalys report last week. Huawei captured 11 per cent of the mainland Chinese market, while rival Lenovo Group led with a 35 per cent share.
However, Huawei's momentum weakened in the fourth quarter owing to a lack of new product launches, with PC shipments falling 7 per cent to 1.1 million units, Canalys data showed.
This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright © 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
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