Highlights
- OxygenOS 16 global launch to reach OnePlus 13, 12, and 11 series, followed by Nord models and tablets like Pad 3, Pad 2, and the original Pad.
- Entry-level Nord CE devices may receive it as their final major update.
- The update introduces Expressive UI with smoother animations via Parallel Processing 2.0, resizable icons, enhanced multitasking, and customisable lock screen widgets, themes, and wallpapers.
- OxygenOS 16 debuts Fluid Cloud for live lock screen updates and an upgraded Plus Mind assistant that supports voice notes, screenshot queries, and Gemini-powered AI search integration.
Caption – OxygenOS 16 global launch. (Image credit – OnePlus)
OnePlus has officially launched OxygenOS 16, its latest software update based on Android 16. The new version introduces a refreshed design language, AI-driven enhancements, and several productivity-focused features. Inspired by Google’s Material You 3.0, OxygenOS 16 brings the new Expressive UI, smoother animations, smarter multitasking, and an upgraded lock screen experience.
According to OnePlus, the OxygenOS 16 rollout will begin with the brand’s flagship smartphones before gradually reaching older and mid-range models. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the update, including eligible devices, rollout timeline, and key features.
OxygenOS 16 Rollout Plan
The update will first roll out to the OnePlus 13 series, followed by the OnePlus 12, OnePlus 11, and select Nord models in the coming weeks. While a detailed roadmap has not yet been shared, early access builds are expected to reach beta testers soon after launch.
Caption – OxygenOS 16 key features. (Image credit – OnePlus)
OxygenOS 16 Eligible Devices
OxygenOS 16 will first reach –
- OnePlus 13, OnePlus 13R, and OnePlus 13s
- OnePlus 12, OnePlus 12R, OnePlus 11, and OnePlus 11R
Mid-range phones such as the OnePlus Nord 5, Nord 4, and Nord 3 will get the update later in the cycle.
On the tablet front, the OnePlus Pad 3, Pad 2, and the original OnePlus Pad are all reportedly eligible. Entry-level models such as the Nord CE 4, CE 4 Lite, and Nord 3 may receive OxygenOS 16 as their final major update.
OxygenOS 16 – Main Features
Fluid Animations
OnePlus introduces “Parallel Processing 2.0”, a new technology that makes animations more responsive by allowing them to start before the previous action finishes. This results in smoother transitions across the UI, app launches, navigation gestures, and system interactions.
Resizable Icons and Enhanced Multitasking
Caption – Icons in OxygenOS 16. (Image credit – Android Authority)
Users can now resize app icons and folders on the home screen to their preference. OxygenOS 16 also optimises the experience for tablets, supporting up to five apps simultaneously in Open Canvas, three in split view, and two in floating windows, making multitasking more intuitive than ever.
Lock Screen Widgets, Themes, and Wallpapers
Caption – Lock screen in OxygenOS 16. (Image credit – Android Authority)
OxygenOS 16 debuts the Flux Theme 2.0, allowing users to add Motion Photos and video wallpapers for depth-based visual effects. There’s also a full-screen Always-on Display (AOD) that displays wallpapers and live information even when the screen is off.
Addressing a long-standing user request, OnePlus now enables lock screen widgets that can be stacked vertically or horizontally, depending on the theme.
Fluid Cloud
With Fluid Cloud, users can view real-time notifications and live updates from apps like Spotify, sports platforms, and food delivery services right on the lock screen.
The interface has also been redesigned with Gaussian blur effects, rounded corners, and a translucent finish, visible across Quick Settings, the Home Screen, and the App Drawer. Native apps like Clock and Calculator also receive a refreshed visual design and added functionality.
Plus Mind – AI-Powered Memory and Note Assistant
Caption – Plus Mind. (Image credit – OnePlus)
OnePlus’ upgraded Plus Mind feature represents one of the biggest AI improvements in OxygenOS 16. Initially introduced with the OnePlus 13S, Plus Mind was a visual note-taking tool, but it now functions as a full-fledged AI companion.
Users can now share images, record one-minute voice notes by holding the Plus Key, and even capture long screenshots to save articles or reading materials within the app.
Through the built-in search function, users can ask questions about saved screenshots or voice notes directly in Plus Mind. Moreover, OnePlus has partnered with Gemini, allowing users to access Plus Mind inside the Gemini app and use Google’s AI assistant to query their stored content.
FAQs
Q1. Which OnePlus devices will receive the OxygenOS 16 update first?
Answer. OxygenOS 16 will initially roll out to the OnePlus 13, 13R, and 13s, followed by the OnePlus 12, 12R, 11, and 11R series, with mid-range Nord models and tablets receiving it later.
Q2. What are the major UI changes introduced in OxygenOS 16?
Answer. OxygenOS 16 features the new Expressive UI inspired by Material You 3.0, with smoother animations via Parallel Processing 2.0, resizable icons, and a redesigned lock screen.
Q3. What is the Plus Mind feature in OxygenOS 16?
Answer. Plus Mind is an AI-powered assistant that allows users to save and query voice notes, screenshots, and images, now integrated with Google’s Gemini app for smarter search.
Q4. What multitasking improvements does OxygenOS 16 offer for tablets?
Answer. OxygenOS 16 supports up to five apps in Open Canvas, three in split view, and two in floating windows, making multitasking more flexible and efficient on OnePlus tablets.