OxygenOS 16 is finally here — OnePlus’s latest software upgrade built on Android 16, promising smoother animations, smarter AI tools, and tighter integration across devices. We got an early taste of the beta version on the OnePlus 13s, and while it’s not a radical overhaul, it’s packed with small but meaningful refinements that show where OnePlus is heading next.
Design: Evolution, Not Revolution
OxygenOS 16 sticks to OnePlus’s “refinement over reinvention” philosophy. At first glance, you might mistake it for OxygenOS 15 — but a closer look reveals several subtle design changes.
A few app icons — like Clock, Camera, and Settings — now sport a refreshed look, while others such as Weather and Calculator have barely noticeable tweaks. The app drawer also gets a revamp, letting users switch between a traditional all-app view or iOS-style categories with a simple sideways swipe. The search bar now sits conveniently at the bottom.
The homescreen is far more customizable this time. Folders can be resized, icons can now take up more space (1×1, 1×2, 2×1, or 2×2 layouts), and you can assign extra functions to larger icons. A new 5×7 grid layout makes better use of screen real estate, while minimalist users can hide icon labels and switch to a 5×9 grid.
But the biggest visual upgrade lies on the lockscreen. OnePlus introduces fresh clock styles, animated wallpapers, and even AI-driven depth effects that place widgets and text behind key wallpaper elements for a 3D illusion. You can even set videos or live photos as lockscreen backgrounds for extra flair.
Lockscreen widgets are another welcome addition, offering quick access to essential info or app shortcuts without unlocking the device. You can also turn the lockscreen into a dimmed always-on display—though it only stays lit for a few seconds before fading out.
Still, customization remains theme-limited. Depending on the chosen “Flux” theme, some features—like large clock styles—may be missing. Thankfully, OnePlus now lets users enter lockscreen editing directly from the homescreen, saving a trip to the Settings menu.
The Quick Settings panel is more flexible too, especially in split view. You can now rearrange or remove system tiles like brightness or volume and replace them with your preferred controls.
One neat but hidden gem is the new swipe-back animation, disabled by default. Once activated (Settings > System navigation), it mimics iOS-style gestures—letting you peek at the previous screen while swiping back, or cancel the action mid-way. It makes the interface feel noticeably smoother.
Then there’s the much-talked-about “Liquid Glass” effect — a semi-transparent visual style inspired by iOS 26. You’ll spot it in small touches like the Calculator digits, lockscreen buttons, and charging animation. While visually appealing, it sometimes feels out of place against OxygenOS’s otherwise distinct design language.
Connectivity: Better Cross-Device Integration
OxygenOS 16 also takes a big step forward in cross-platform connectivity. Through the O+ Connect app (available on Mac and Windows), users can access and control their phone directly from a PC or tablet. The entire system is now unified under a cleaner Device Connect menu, making it easier to manage file sharing and cross-device control.
Performance and Fluidity: A Big Win
Even though we tested the beta build, OxygenOS 16 felt incredibly smooth and stable. The new system-level optimizations and parallel animation processing make UI transitions faster and more fluid than ever. It’s easily one of the slickest Android skins to use right now — and it hints at how powerful upcoming OnePlus phones could feel with future hardware.
AI also plays a bigger role this year, but OnePlus has kept it practical, not gimmicky. Most AI features serve real-world purposes and can be disabled completely if you prefer a simpler experience.
The Verdict: A Polished Upgrade That Plays It Safe
OxygenOS 16 refines nearly every corner of the OnePlus experience — from customization and performance to cross-device convenience. It’s smoother, smarter, and more cohesive than before.
However, the growing resemblance to ColorOS and Realme UI continues to blur OxygenOS’s once-unique identity. The new Liquid Glass visuals feel borrowed rather than innovative, and the design language is inching dangerously close to its Oppo cousin.
Still, for everyday users, OxygenOS 16 delivers meaningful upgrades where it matters most: speed, usability, and personalization. It’s not revolutionary — but it’s a step in the right direction.
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