Huawei has introduced its first foldable PC, the MateBook Fold, along with a new MateBook Pro laptop. Both devices are powered by HarmonyOS 5.

The MateBook Fold is priced at 23,999 yuan (approximately US$3,300) and features a foldable display. The MateBook Pro, which has a traditional clamshell design, starts at 7,999 yuan (around US$1,100).

These product launches highlight Huawei’s efforts to expand its HarmonyOS ecosystem into the PC market. This positions the company as a competitor to Windows and macOS in China.

🔗 Source: Jiemian

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ HarmonyOS expansion reflects Huawei’s forced software independence journey

Huawei’s pivot to HarmonyOS for laptops comes after its license to use Microsoft Windows expired, making this launch a necessity rather than just an innovation choice 1.

The operating system was initially developed in 2019 as a contingency plan when US sanctions threatened Huawei’s access to Google services on mobile devices 2.

This expansion to laptops represents the culmination of a five-year strategy to create a complete ecosystem independent of American technology, evolving from its original focus on smart screens and IoT devices.

Huawei has invested CNY 1.24 trillion (approximately $171 billion) in R&D over the past decade, with 20.8% of its 2024 revenue (CNY 179.7 billion) directed toward innovation efforts that include software development 3.

The company’s push for technological self-sufficiency mirrors similar efforts by other Chinese tech firms seeking to reduce dependence on Western operating systems while catering to domestic market preferences.

2️⃣ Foldable PC market presents high-risk, high-reward battleground

Huawei’s entry into the foldable laptop space targets a market projected to grow from approximately $2 billion in 2025 to $51.78 billion by 2030, representing significant potential despite its current niche status 45.

The high $3,300 starting price of the MateBook Fold reflects industry-wide challenges in foldable device manufacturing, including complex components, durability concerns, and low production yields that drive up costs 4.

These premium devices face significant hurdles to mass adoption beyond price, including software optimization for flexible displays and competition from more affordable 2-in-1 convertible laptops 6.

Major competitors including ASUS, Lenovo, and HP are all investing heavily in R&D to enhance product features and address affordability issues as the category matures 4.

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