What you need to know
- The OnePlus 12 has started receiving its OxygenOS 16 update in India, alongside the OnePlus Open foldable.
- The update is huge, bringing a smoother OS experience, improved visuals, app refreshes, AI and much more.
- The OnePlus 15 has been confirmed to debut in the US in November.
Owners of older generation OnePlus devices have been waiting for the promised OxygenOS 16 update to arrive, and it’s finally happening, as expected.
At the end of the week, OnePlus officially announced that its 12 series is now receiving its OxygenOS 16 (Android 16) update. One thing to note is that the patch is coming first for users in India. Users in other regions, like the US and Europe, should start seeing it next week, or maybe a few more weeks in November (which is not unusual). For those in India, the company says the patch carries firmware vCPH2573_16.0.0.201(EX01).
The changelog is huge, as is an update of this caliber. We’ll highlight some of the main talking points, but the rest of the changelog can be viewed via the community forum.
One major change OnePlus 12 owners are expecting is a much smoother operating system experience. The message states that “apps now display animations that start and end in intuitive places.” Additionally, dragging and dropping UI elements to different locations on your phone should be much smoother. To achieve this, OnePlus says OxygenOS 16 introduces the Trinity Engine, which “optimizes workload and resources on the fly, maintaining smooth performance for videos, games, and extended camera use.”
Mind Space is another important feature that brings new benefits in OxygenOS 16. OnePlus says users will find Mind Assistant on its home page, capable of taking you to your saved content faster. The OnePlus 12’s camera is getting a bit of attention, as it introduces Motion Photos via Master Mode. An improved portrait mode facilitates more “creative control”, alongside a text scanner mode.
Here are some additional highlights of OxygenOS 16:
- New Photos visual update brings immersive and smooth browsing experience
- Photo albums are now easier to navigate with clearer categories and custom sorting for frequently used ones.
- New Home screen icons feature realistic visuals and intricate details thanks to the light field style.
- Enjoy a cleaner, more organized home screen with an optimized grid and layout, making icons, folders, and widgets tidier than ever.
- Introduces a clean home screen design by removing text below icons
Exactly on time
It should also be mentioned that the OnePlus Open, the company’s first foldable, is receive the OxygenOS 16 update this week in India too.
With the OnePlus 15 already launching with OxygenOS 16 (US debut confirmed in November), consumers with the company’s latest generation phones have been patiently waiting their turn. It was confirmed in October that OnePlus planned to begin rolling out OxygenOS 16 in November, intended to hit the OnePlus 13 series and the first 12. These devices have already started receiving the update, which means users in more regions should start seeing it soon, as November continues.
Devices planned for December include the OnePlus 11 5G, 11R 5G, Nord 5, Nord CE5, Nord 4, and Nord 3 5G.
When OxygenOS 16 was first revealed, it was touted as software that truly knows the user. A revamped interface with customizable themes and improved app visuals with even more AI were among its main highlights.
