OnePlus is gearing up for a major software upgrade with OxygenOS 16 — and it’s packed with bold design changes, faster multitasking, and built-in AI features. Here’s everything we know before the official launch.
OnePlus Prepares for OxygenOS 16 Launch
Tech enthusiasts have something to look forward to this festive season. OnePlus has confirmed the global launch of OxygenOS 16 on October 16, and ahead of the debut, the company has started teasing its new Android 16-based interface.
The update is expected to debut on the upcoming OnePlus 15, before rolling out to other compatible models. A dedicated landing page is already live, giving users a sneak peek into the new design language, app layout, and smart features coming to OxygenOS 16.
Redesigned Interface With Fresh Look
The new OxygenOS 16 brings a completely redesigned home screen, app tray, and widgets. The app icons now have a clean circular style, while the widgets adopt a squircle (square-circle) design, giving the UI a smoother, more modern look.
Even the built-in Gallery, Notes, and Weather apps have received visual overhauls, featuring new animation styles and transitions. OnePlus has also introduced Liquid Glass-like toggles, reminiscent of Apple’s design, making the interface feel more fluid and polished.
This design refresh marks one of the biggest visual upgrades since OxygenOS 13, bringing a minimalist yet dynamic aesthetic to OnePlus devices.
Zero-Lag Multitasking: OnePlus’ Big Promise
One of the most talked-about features of OxygenOS 16 is its “zero-lag” multitasking experience. According to OnePlus, users can scroll Instagram Reels for up to three hours straight with zero slowdown.
Gamers will love the fact that OxygenOS 16 supports one hour of gaming multitasking, allowing users to switch between 120Hz Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and phone calls while screen recording — all without lag.
On the OnePlus Pad 3, the company claims seamless app switching with support for up to five simultaneous apps via split-screen and pop-up windows. Floating windows can even be resized by dragging the corner, offering true desktop-like flexibility.
Smart Connectivity & Device Integration
OxygenOS 16 also focuses heavily on cross-device connectivity. Users will be able to mirror their OnePlus phone’s screen on Windows or macOS and drag-and-drop files between connected devices.
Even more interesting — OnePlus says users can sync their phones with Apple devices, including the iPhone and Apple Watch, alongside OnePlus tablets and other Android phones. This opens up new possibilities for a seamless connected ecosystem, something the brand has been pushing towards for years.
AI Integration with Google’s Gemini
For the first time, OxygenOS 16 will include OnePlus’ AI suite powered by Google’s Gemini models. This means on-device AI tools like text summarization, smart reply suggestions, and enhanced image recognition could be built directly into the OS.
With this move, OnePlus joins the growing list of brands integrating AI at the system level — a step that could redefine how users interact with their devices daily.
Launch and Availability
OxygenOS 16 will launch on October 16 in India, with the OnePlus 15 expected to be the first device to ship with it pre-installed. Older models, including the OnePlus 12 and 12R, could receive the update via OTA later, depending on their eligibility.
With a bold design overhaul, improved multitasking, and deep AI integration, OxygenOS 16 looks like one of OnePlus’ most ambitious software updates yet.
