China launches its first homegrown PC operating system as a competitor to Windows and macOS

China has unveiled its inaugural domestically produced open-source desktop operating system, known as OpenKylin. This move reflects the nation’s determination to reduce its reliance on technology from the United States.

The release of China’s version took place on Wednesday and is rooted in the existing open-source Linux operating system. It was designed through the collaborative efforts of approximately 4,000 developers and has found applications in various sectors, including the country’s space programme, finance, and energy industries.

State media referred to an industry report, stating that China’s expansive market for operating systems had a value of 15.5 billion yuan ($2.1 billion) in the previous year.

Creating an operating system independent of US technology has emerged as a significant objective within China’s tech industry in recent years. Numerous companies and organisations have actively contributed to the development of the OpenKylin system.

Notably, the China Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team, overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, stands as a prominent supporter.

Over a dozen Chinese companies are currently engaged in endeavors to produce operating systems capable of replacing Microsoft’s Windows and Apple’s macOS. One such company, UnionTech Software Technology Co Ltd, is actively working on what it terms the “Unity OS.”