Huawei Readies X90 PC Processor for In-House Laptops and Desktops

Huawei is gearing up to launch its first ARM-based processor for PCs, the X90, marking a bold stride in its mission to build a tech ecosystem free from Western dependencies like Intel chips and Microsoft’s OS.

Insiders reveal the X90 will power Huawei’s upcoming laptops and desktops, blending Kunpeng-920 cores with the DeepSeek neural module. While specs remain under wraps, industry experts speculate the chip’s architecture will be fine-tuned for HarmonyOS NEXT — a lightweight operating system designed to offset potential performance gaps compared to market leaders.

Hamstrung by U.S. sanctions, Huawei reportedly relies on SMIC’s 7nm process — the only domestic Chinese foundry capable of advanced chip production. The same tech fuels the Kirin 9020 in Huawei’s Mate 70 smartphones. Analysts warn this manufacturing bottleneck could hamstring the X90’s progress. However, China is aggressively investing in homegrown EUV lithography tools to break free from Dutch supplier ASML.

The X90’s standout feature? Deep integration with HarmonyOS NEXT and a unified memory architecture akin to Apple Silicon. This promises faster data flow but locks users out of RAM upgrades. Huawei engineers argue the trade-off ensures seamless performance for everyday tasks, even if raw power lags behind rivals.

Originally slated for a 2024 debut, the X90’s launch has slipped to Q1 2025 amid production hurdles. Whether Huawei can refine its manufacturing tech or deliver a true Western alternative by then remains unclear. Official details are still pending, but one thing is certain: the X90 isn’t just a chip — it’s China’s declaration of technological sovereignty, a direct challenge to global giants.