OnePlus Unveils OxygenOS 16: Check If Your Phone Is on the Eligible List
OnePlus OxygenOS 16 is here. One Plus has officially announced OxygenOS 16, its latest Android skin built on Android 16. Packed with a fresh design, powerful customization options, and a smoother overall experience, this is one of the most anticipated software rollouts from OnePlus in recent years.
If you are wondering what’s new in this technology, when the update will arrive, and whether your device is eligible, here’s a complete guide to OxygenOS 16 features, rollout schedule, and eligible devices.
OxygenOS 16 Features: What’s New for OnePlus Users
The OnePlus OxygenOS 16 update introduces two new design philosophies: “Breathe With You” and “Thrive With Free Expression.”
Breathe With You brings in visual upgrades, making the operating system look cleaner, lighter, and more modern. It’s focused on making the daily user experience smoother and more refreshing.
Thrive With Free Expression caters to users who love personalization. With OxygenOS 16, you get more control over themes, wallpapers, and layout customizations so your phone reflects your own style.
OnePlus has also taken inspiration from iOS 26 by introducing Gaussian blur effects across the interface. This creates what the company calls a “Liquid Glass” look, making menus and apps appear more polished.
For example, the home screen search bar, app drawer, recents screen, and Photos app all now feature translucent design elements. The Photos app, in particular, has a redesigned floating bottom bar that looks very similar to Apple’s iOS, but with OnePlus’s own twist.
In addition, Google’s Material 3 Expressive treatment adds more dynamic colors that adapt to your wallpapers, giving the entire interface a more personalized and vibrant feel.
OxygenOS 16 Rollout Timeline: When Will You Get It?
Like most major Android updates, the OnePlus OxygenOS 16 rollout timeline will follow a phased approach. OnePlus has confirmed that the update will start rolling out in November 2025.
The first device to receive OxygenOS 16 will be the company’s newest flagship, the OnePlus 13. From there, the update will gradually expand to other eligible phones in batches over the following months.
This means that not everyone will receive the update at the same time. Depending on your device model and region, the wait may stretch into early 2026. If you don’t see the update notification immediately, don’t worry—OnePlus has promised a steady rollout.
OxygenOS 16 Eligible Devices: Full List
OnePlus has officially shared the OxygenOS 16 eligible devices list, which includes its latest flagships as well as several popular older models.
The rollout will start with the OnePlus 13, but other devices in line to receive the update include:
OnePlus 12 series
OnePlus 11 series
OnePlus Nord models (selected mid-range phones)
If you are using a much older OnePlus phone, it may no longer qualify for the update. However, most users with devices from the last two to three years should expect to get OxygenOS 16.
This strategy aligns with OnePlus’s commitment to supporting its phones with at least three major Android updates. By keeping its promise, the company ensures that loyal users continue to enjoy the latest software innovations.
Why OxygenOS 16 Is a Big Deal
For many OnePlus users, OxygenOS is the main reason they stick with the brand. Known for its speed, fluidity, and bloat-free experience, OxygenOS has been a fan favorite since its early days.
However, in recent years, some fans felt that the brand had drifted away from its original clean and simple philosophy. With OxygenOS 16, OnePlus seems determined to strike a balance. The update retains the core strengths of the operating system while layering on modern design cues and fresh customization options.
The new Liquid Glass visuals, combined with Material 3 Expressive features, make the system look premium and current. Add in smoother animations, improved performance, and smarter multitasking, and OxygenOS 16 feels like a major step forward.
OxygenOS 16 vs Older Versions
At first glance, OxygenOS 16 may look similar to OxygenOS 15. But side by side, the differences are clear. OxygenOS 16 brings:
A more polished and modern design thanks to Gaussian blur.
Smarter personalization with dynamic system colors.
A refreshed Photos app with a floating iOS-style bottom bar.
Better animations and smoother transitions across the UI.
This shows that while OnePlus hasn’t completely reinvented the wheel, it has refined the formula in a way that makes everyday usage more enjoyable.
OnePlus OxygenOS 16 and the Competition
With this update, OnePlus is also making a statement in the broader Android world. Rivals like Samsung’s One UI and Google’s Pixel UI have been pushing forward with their own software innovations. OxygenOS 16 positions OnePlus as a serious contender by combining speed, elegance, and flexibility.
For users, this means you no longer have to choose between a smooth experience and heavy customization you can have both.
