Huawei’s journey to crafting its first ARM-based PC chipset has faced numerous hurdles, but the company is steadily progressing in its mission to minimize reliance on tech giants like Intel and Microsoft. By rolling out its inaugural in-house chipset, Huawei plans to revolutionize a wide range of products.
Previously, there were speculations about Huawei’s custom SoC showcasing Kunpeng-920 cores and featuring DeepSeek integration. Now, recent leaks reveal the silicon will be named the X90. However, specific details regarding its launch or specifications remain under wraps. One major challenge is the U.S. sanctions, which likely restrict Huawei to utilizing SMIC’s 7nm technology.
Initially anticipated to debut last year, rumors now suggest that Huawei might unveil the X90 in the first quarter of 2025. Enthusiasts are keenly watching developments, especially since this marks Huawei’s leap into harnessing an ARM-based solution for a broad array of its offerings. Despite sanctions limiting Huawei’s access to the forefront of technology, there are tantalizing signs of innovation.
The Kirin 9020, prominent in the Mate 70 lineup, continues to employ SMIC’s 7nm process. This scenario underscores China’s fervent commitment to developing its EUV machinery and reducing reliance on ASML, a Dutch firm influenced by U.S. regulations. Without alternative manufacturing processes, Huawei’s X90 might lag behind contemporaries like Apple’s M4 or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite.
What could set Huawei apart is its HarmonyOS NEXT. This operating system is designed to use fewer resources than Android, promising smooth performance on desktops and laptops even if the X90 falls short in raw power. Moreover, Huawei plans to incorporate a unified RAM architecture, similar to Apple’s approach with its M-series chips. Although this design means non-upgradeable memory for devices housing the X90, it promises enhanced bandwidth and improved efficiency.
As Huawei’s ambitious journey unfolds, tech enthusiasts await further news eagerly. Stay tuned for updates as we track Huawei’s progress in transforming its vision into reality.
