Huawei Develops Computer Chips to Reduce Reliance on Intel and Windows
Huawei Technologies is advancing its efforts to eliminate American hardware and software from its personal computers as it navigates ongoing U.S. sanctions.
The China Information Technology Security Evaluation Centre announced that Huawei’s Kirin X90 chip, developed by its chip design arm HiSilicon, has received a Level 2 national certification for security reliability. This voluntary certification allows companies to assess the security of domestically designed and produced computers, server CPUs, and systems, often serving as a precursor to adoption.
Huawei previously secured certifications for its Kirin 9000C and Kirin 9006C chips, used in the Qingyun W515x PC and Qingyun L540 laptop, respectively. The Qingyun series is designed for government and enterprise users.
The company is accelerating efforts to replace American components in its PC business. In May, Washington revoked special licences that had allowed Qualcomm and Intel to sell older-generation semiconductors to Huawei for use in its laptops and smartphones. Most of Huawei’s consumer laptops previously relied on Intel’s Core processors, except for models like the MateBook E Go, which used Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chip.
Huawei’s licence to use Microsoft’s Windows operating system is also set to expire this month without renewal. The company plans to launch PCs running its own HarmonyOS system later this year, according to Chinese news outlet Thepaper.cn.
Huawei 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, featuring an Intel Core processor and Windows software. Richard Yu Chengdong, chairman of Huawei’s consumer business group, stated in September that its current laptops might be the last to run on Windows, with future models expected to use HarmonyOS.
Huawei is expanding its PC business, with desktop and notebook shipments growing 15% in 2024 to reach 4.3 million units, according to a Canalys report. The company captured 11% of the mainland Chinese market, while Lenovo Group led with a 35% share. However, Huawei’s momentum slowed in the fourth quarter due to a lack of new product launches, with PC shipments falling 7% to 1.1 million units.
Huawei’s Kirin X90 chip received a Level 2 national security certification
The company is replacing American components in its PC business
Huawei’s Windows licence is set to expire, with HarmonyOS expected to replace it
Source: SCMP