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OnePlus lays out OxygenOS 16 update roadmap for older models

19 devices are eligible, with some set to receive the update as early as next month.

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White OnePlus 13R and blue OnePlus 12R held together in hand.
Tushar Mehta / Digital Trends

What happened? OnePlus recently revealed the latest version of its software skin, OxygenOS, based on Android 16 and confirmed that the upcoming OnePlus 15 will be the first device to run the software out of the box.

  • During its OxygenOS 16 announcement, OnePlus also said that beta testing for older devices would begin on October 17. OnePlus has now shared a list of eligible devices on its community forums, along with the expected release timeline.
  • November 2025: Recent models including the OnePlus 13, OnePlus 13R, OnePlus 13s, OnePlus Open, OnePlus 12, OnePlus 12R, OnePlus Pad 3, and OnePlus Pad 2.
  • December 2025: OnePlus 11 5G, OnePlus 11R 5G, OnePlus Nord 5, OnePlus Nord CE5, OnePlus Nord 4, and OnePlus Nord 3 5G.
  • Q1 2026: OnePlus 10 Pro 5G, OnePlus Nord CE4, OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G, OnePlus Pad, and OnePlus Pad Lite.

Why is this important? OxygenOS 16 is a major update that brings new Android 16 features along with several AI-powered extras unique to OnePlus.

  • The update adds a new Collections system to the Plus Mind feature that debuted with the OnePlus 13s, which automatically categorizes saved items.
  • It introduces a new long-press shortcut for the side key that allows users to record voice notes and transcribe them in real time.
  • OxygenOS 16 also adds an AI-powered contextual search feature and a smart scan tool that automatically adjusts the angle and brightness of images before saving them as PDFs.
  • Other noteworthy improvements include Gemini integration in Plus Mind, seamless file transfers and screen mirroring between OnePlus phones and Windows or Mac devices, Apple Watch compatibility, and a few clever AI photography enhancements.
All features of OxygenOS 16.
OnePlus

Why should I care? If you own one of the eligible devices, OxygenOS 16 should seriously level up what you can do with your phone.

  • The new Collections system and Gemini integration in Plus Mind will make it easier to keep things organized and pull information from the content saved in Plus Mind.
  • The AI-powered contextual search feature will help you find exactly what you’re looking for without digging through apps, messages, or settings.
  • Seamlessly connectivity with Windows and Mac devices should help streamline your workflow, while Apple Watch compatibility will give you the option to ditch Wear OS watches.
  • The new scan tool and long-press shortcut for the side key will prove handy when you want to scan documents or capture quick voice notes, while the AI photography features should level up your snaps.
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What’s next? With the beta rollout kicking off soon, OnePlus users won’t have to wait long to test OxygenOS 16’s new AI capabilities. However, OnePlus notes that some new features may not be available on all eligible devices due to hardware limitations.

Pranob Mehrotra
Pranob Mehrotra
News Writer
Pranob is a seasoned tech journalist with over eight years of experience covering consumer technology. His work has been…
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