The update promises smarter AI integration, refined visuals, and faster cross-device performance. The upcoming OnePlus 15 will debut with OxygenOS 16 pre-installed, while eligible models will begin receiving the update through the Open Beta Program starting October 17.
According to Arthur Lam, Director of OxygenOS and AI Strategy at OnePlus, the release embodies the company’s “Intelligently Yours” philosophy — software designed to understand users, not just respond to them.
A more intelligent experience
At the heart of OxygenOS 16 is Plus Mind, OnePlus’s new personal intelligence system.
Acting as a digital hub, it learns user habits and organizes content in a dedicated Mind Space — collecting screenshots, notes, and reminders in one place. Access is seamless through a three-finger swipe or the Plus Key, and contextual recognition allows it to extract details like dates or addresses from images to suggest relevant actions, such as calendar entries or navigation.
Integration with Google Gemini adds another layer of personalization. Gemini can draw data from Mind Space to deliver tailored suggestions — for instance, pulling your saved restaurant notes to create a weekend dining plan or using saved decor images to design a layout. The update also introduces the AI Efficiency Suite, featuring tools like AI Writer for quick content generation, AI Scan for document digitization, and AI Recorder for automatic transcriptions and summaries. On the creative front, AI Portrait Glow, AI Perfect Shot, and AI PlayLab enhance photos and introduce playful features like text-to-image or photo-to-video generation.
Design that breathes & moves
Visually, OxygenOS 16 brings a lighter, more fluid interface that feels polished without losing its OnePlus identity.
The new “Breath with You” design language introduces soft gradients, adaptive blur, and live weather animations that mirror real-world conditions. Subtle refinements to icons and typography add a cleaner, more cohesive look across the UI.
The Flux Theme 2.0 makes personalization even more dynamic, with customizable lock screens, motion photos, and interactive mini widgets. Meanwhile, Parallel Processing 2.0 and enhanced Flow Motion animations keep the system running effortlessly smooth — even during heavy multitasking.
Users will also notice stronger device connectivity through the O+ Connect app, enabling seamless, cable-free file transfers between phones, tablets, and PCs. Support for Apple Watch connectivity is an unexpected but welcome addition, allowing users to sync notifications and calls across platforms.
Performance & privacy
Beyond aesthetics, OxygenOS 16 focuses on delivering tangible performance and security improvements. The system’s Parallel Processing 2.0 ensures consistent speed and stability, while the Private Computing Cloud offers hardware-level encryption for sensitive data. Region-specific features like Plus Lock — which helps secure lost or stolen phones — are currently limited to select markets but expected to expand.
The update also extends OxygenOS’s capabilities to tablets, offering multi-app split views and improved PC pairing.
Verdict: Evolution, not reinvention
OxygenOS 16 doesn’t overhaul the OnePlus experience — it elevates it.
The interface feels more intuitive, animations are smoother, and AI features enhance usability without feeling intrusive.
It’s a thoughtful blend of design, intelligence, and performance that reflects where OnePlus software is heading next: a phone that doesn’t just keep up with you, but learns along the way.
(Inputs from TOI’s Neha Saini)
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