Get ready for a fresh Android experience! OnePlus has unveiled OxygenOS 16, a significant upgrade to its Android skin. But here's the catch: it's not just a visual makeover. OxygenOS 16 is a game-changer with a host of new features and a unique design philosophy.
Visual and Functional Makeover
OnePlus has categorized the design changes into two themes: 'Breathe With You' and 'Thrive with Free Expression'. The former enhances the visual appeal, while the latter empowers users with customization options. But that's not all—the update introduces Google's Material 3 Expressive design, adding a modern twist.
Eligible Devices and Rollout
The OxygenOS 16 update is coming to a range of OnePlus devices, starting with the OnePlus 13. But don't rush to your settings just yet; the update will roll out in batches, so patience is key. And this is where it gets interesting: the update schedule might spark some debates among eager fans.
Blurring the Lines
OxygenOS 16 takes inspiration from iOS 26, incorporating Gaussian blur for a 'Liquid Glass' effect. This subtle change is noticeable in various elements, giving the interface a sleek and modern feel. But is this aesthetic upgrade worth the potential performance trade-off? That's a question for the tech enthusiasts.
Customization at Your Fingertips
The Quick Settings panel gets a makeover, allowing users to customize it to their heart's content. From resizing widgets to expanding app icons, the home screen and app drawer offer a new level of personalization. And with the new 'Categories' tab, app organization becomes a breeze.
Lock Screen Evolution
OxygenOS 15 introduced Flux Themes, but OxygenOS 16 takes it further. Flux Themes 2.0 lets users customize the lock screen with depth, resize the clock, and even add live photos or videos as wallpapers. This level of customization might be a dream come true for some, but will it impact battery life?
Enhanced Live Alerts
OnePlus' Live Alerts feature is getting smarter. With Android 16's Live Updates API, it can now fetch information from various apps, including Google Maps. But with great power comes great responsibility—how will users feel about this increased data sharing?
Private Computing Cloud
OnePlus introduces a private cloud infrastructure, ensuring data privacy. The AI Writer toolkit is a standout feature, assisting with various writing tasks. The new camera app can scan documents and convert photos to PDFs, while the Recorder app offers real-time transcription and noise reduction.
AI-Powered Search
OxygenOS 16 introduces an AI-powered search feature, allowing natural language prompts for easy device searches. All AI features are now conveniently listed in the OnePlus AI section, making them easily accessible.
Mind Space Meets Gemini
OnePlus' Mind Space, an AI-powered note organizer, is now integrated with Google Gemini. Users can quickly find saved information and ask questions about it. But the real question is, will this integration live up to the hype?
