OnePlus has introduced OxygenOS 16, its next major software update, bringing new AI tools, cross-platform features, and a redesigned interface. The update will debut on the upcoming OnePlus 15, with rollout to older devices in the coming months.
“OxygenOS 16 marks a paradigm shift in how smartphones and users interact,” said Arthur Lam, Director of OxygenOS and AI Strategy at OnePlus in a statement to iPhone in Canada. “Our ‘Intelligently Yours’ philosophy represents our commitment to creating technology that doesn’t just respond to commands but truly understands and adapts to each individual user. By combining groundbreaking AI with our industry-leading performance, we’re delivering an experience that is both profoundly personal and incredibly powerful.”
At the core of the update is Plus Mind, a built-in AI hub that organizes on-screen content and turns saved information into reminders or events. Users can access it with a new Plus Key shortcut or gesture. Plus Mind can also connect with Google Gemini, allowing users to generate context-aware responses using their saved content — for example, asking Gemini to create a home decor plan from screenshots stored in Mind Space.
The update also adds AI Writer for generating charts and captions, AI Scan for document scanning, and AI Portrait Glow and AI Perfect Shot for improved photos. Experimental tools in AI PlayLab include features that turn text into images or photos into short videos.
OxygenOS 16 also debuts Parallel Processing 2.0, which lets new animations start before the previous ones finish for smoother transitions. The update also supports Seamless Cross-Ecosystem Connectivity, enabling easier sharing and syncing with Windows, macOS, and even Apple devices — including Apple Watch notifications and OnePlus phone camera control. That’s nice to see some more support for Windows and Apple users.
The new design brings customizable themes, interactive widgets, and a redesigned notification interface called Fluid Cloud, which supports third-party apps like Spotify and food delivery services. On the privacy front, OnePlus adds a Private Computing Cloud, which processes sensitive data securely right on devices.
The software also extends to OnePlus tablets, adding Open Canvas multitasking for up to five active apps, larger docks, and built-in video editing tools in the Photos app.
The new OnePlus 15 will ship with OxygenOS 16 pre-installed, while older devices will receive the update later.
OnePlus says the goal of OxygenOS 16 is to make phones feel more personal and intelligent, blending “groundbreaking AI with industry-leading performance” to deliver what it calls its most advanced experience yet.
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