OnePlus is generating buzz ahead of the OxygenOS 16 launch, teasing key features and opening the beta program for select devices in India. The official launch date is set for October 16, 2025, where OnePlus is expected to unveil the full suite of changes and improvements based on Android 16.
Open Beta Program Now Live
OnePlus has officially opened registrations for the OxygenOS 16 Open Beta program in India, allowing select users to experience the new update ahead of its wider release. The application window is open from October 9th to October 13th.
Currently, the beta program is available for the OnePlus 13, OnePlus 13s, OnePlus 13r, OnePlus 12, OnePlus 12R, and OnePlus Open. To apply, users can navigate to Settings -> System update -> Software update -> Beta program on their supported OnePlus phone. Note that this is an early beta build, so some features may not be fully functional. OnePlus advises backing up important data before proceeding, as beta software can be less stable than official releases.
OxygenOS 16: What to Expect
OxygenOS 16 is expected to bring a range of new features and improvements, with a strong emphasis on AI integration. OnePlus has been teasing several key aspects of the update:
- AI-Powered Features: OxygenOS 16 will feature deeper AI integration, including Google's Gemini AI model within the "Mind Space" feature. This integration aims to provide smarter interactions and greater automation capabilities within the UI.
- Enhanced Customization: Users can anticipate new dynamic wallpapers, Always-On Display options, and a refined UI with smoother animations and adaptive layouts. There are also expected to be extended lock screen customizations, possibly including personalized and dynamic text.
- Improved Performance: OxygenOS 16 promises better AI integration and improved performance, smoother UI fluidity, and faster updates with Android 16 optimizations. Users can expect enhanced animations, smoother transitions, and AI-tuned RAM and CPU management for improved gaming and multitasking.
- Enhanced Privacy and Security: Building on Android 16's privacy features, OxygenOS 16 introduces stronger app permissions and advanced background process management. Users gain more control over app data access and background activity.
- Connectivity Features: OxygenOS 16 will offer better connectivity with MacBooks and Windows PCs, allowing users to drag and drop files and mirror their phone's screen. The update will also enable device syncing across Apple Watches, iPhones, OnePlus tablets, and OnePlus phones.
- Design Overhaul: The update is expected to bring smoother animations, refreshed app icons, and a design overhaul. The gallery, notes, and weather apps are expected to receive visual updates.
Eligible Devices
While OnePlus hasn't released an official list, several devices are expected to receive the OxygenOS 16 update:
- OnePlus 13 series: OnePlus 13, 13R, 13S
- OnePlus 12 series: OnePlus 12, 12R
- OnePlus 11 series: OnePlus 11, 11R
- OnePlus Open
- OnePlus Nord series: OnePlus Nord 5, Nord 4, Nord 3
- OnePlus Nord CE series: OnePlus Nord CE 5, CE 4, CE 4 Lite
- OnePlus Pad series: OnePlus Pad 3, Pad Lite, Pad 2, OnePlus Pad
It’s worth noting that the OnePlus Nord CE 4, Nord CE 4 Lite, and OnePlus Nord 3 are expected to receive this as their final software upgrade.
The OxygenOS 16 launch is just around the corner, and the update promises a host of new features and improvements. The company's focus on AI integration, enhanced customization, and improved performance could make OxygenOS 16 a significant upgrade for OnePlus users.