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OnePlus has officially announced its latest software update based on Android 16, OxygenOS 16. The new update integrates advanced AI features, a refreshed design, and improved performance, which will begin rolling out to select devices starting in November 2025.
The new update introduces several visual changes, performance improvements, and AI-powered features. The changes in design are divided into two categories: ‘Breathe With You’ and ‘Thrive with Free Expression’.
It provides users with more options to customize their devices. The update brings Gaussian blur effects to multiple areas, which gives the system a “Liquid Glass”-like design. A translucent floating bottom bar is also added to the default Photos app, the home screen search bar, app drawer, and the recents screen. This resembles Apple’s iOS 26.
Users are allowed to customize quick tiles in the Quick Settings panel. The two buttons for edit and the three-dot menu have been moved to the top for easier access. It was previously available at the bottom.
In previous updates, only the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth tiles were enlarged. But the OxygenOS 16 update allows users to expand any tile. However, the top section is only four rows tall, and it does not scroll like the bottom section. This limits how many tiles users can expand at a time.
Users can also select different colours for their tiles to make them more vibrant.
The new update also brings changes to the home screen launcher. Users can scale icon and folder sizes directly with a new handle, which is available on the bottom right corner.
It helps users drag the icon to expand or shrink it. The app drawer has been renewed with a search bar at the bottom and a new “Categories” tab that automatically combines and keeps apps in separate groups. OnePlus has also added new widget options for the Shelf and provided more flexibility in layout and widget placement.
With the OxygenOS 16 update, OnePlus is introducing Flux Themes 2.0, which adds significant improvements to the lock screen customization engine. The new themes have more depth, allowing the clock and word art to subtly hide behind the wallpaper’s subject.
The position of the clock becomes more dynamic, and it depends on the specific Flux Theme rather than being fixed.
Additionally, the word art is more customizable in the new update, which allows users to create their own custom text effects instead of selecting from presets.
Beyond Flux Themes 2.0, OxygenOS 16 also supports a wider variety of lock screen options. Users can set a motion photo or a video as their wallpaper.
Private Computing Cloud: This processes user data locally without sharing it with third parties. The company claims “it cannot access the data processed in the cloud and that all communication between your device and the cloud is safeguarded by its Trusted Execution Environment (TEE).”
AI Writer Toolkit: It helps to create mind maps, draft emails, write captions for social media, and improve text. This feature also supports chart creation.
Mind Space: This feature organizes scattered information in one place for easy access.
The OxygenOS 16 update helps users perform an AI Search in Settings, making it easier to find relevant settings and toggles.
OxygenOS 16 integrates “Cross-Device Connectivity,” which allows users to control or sync content between an OnePlus phone and other devices like a OnePlus tablet, a Windows or macOS PC, a TV, or an Android Auto vehicle.
With this feature, users can use their Apple Watch to control their OnePlus phone’s camera or even locate it. It also helps users to share health data from their watch to their phone by installing the OHealth Connect app on their Apple Watch.
Displayed near the selfie camera, this feature will receive real-time updates from apps using the new Live Updates API. For instance, users will get the distance and direction to a destination using Google Maps directly in the Live Alerts area.
According to the company, OxygenOS 16 will be rolled out in batches.
Other eligible devices include OnePlus 12 series, OnePlus 11 5G series, OnePlus Nord 5, 4, 3 5G, Nord CE5, CE4 series, and OnePlus Pad 3, Pad 2, and Pad.
Also Read: Best OnePlus Phones To Buy in 2025
With OxygenOS 16, OnePlus focuses on improved performance, personalization, and AI integration. From improved multitasking to advanced AI integration, this update is set to redefine how users interact with their smartphones. If a device is on the eligible list, the user can expect a fresh experience that feels faster, smarter, and more connected than ever.
