OnePlus, the renowned smartphone manufacturer, has officially set October 16, 2025, as the launch date for its much-anticipated OxygenOS 16 update, with the initial rollout beginning in India. This announcement, made via a blog post on the OnePlus Community forum and confirmed by multiple outlets including Android Authority and Bloomberg Quint, marks a significant step forward for the company’s software ambitions. The update, built on the foundation of Android 16, is poised to deliver a suite of enhancements that focus on privacy, security, performance, and—perhaps most notably—artificial intelligence.
At the heart of OxygenOS 16 is a deepened integration of AI, particularly through native support for Google’s Gemini. According to Bloomberg Quint, this integration is set to empower OnePlus’s AI assistant, known as “Plus Mind,” to perform contextual tasks such as automatically generating travel itineraries using user data from apps like Mindspace. The AI assistant will also be able to retrieve screenshots from the app to respond to various queries, making the user experience more intuitive and responsive than ever before.
Android Authority reports that OnePlus is also taking inspiration from the competition, specifically Apple’s “Dynamic Island” feature introduced in iOS 16.1. In OxygenOS 16, users can expect a small, interactive area at the top of the screen designed to display live sports scores in real time. This means sports fans will be able to monitor ongoing games without having to open dedicated apps or rely on widgets—a feature that could quickly become a favorite for users who want to stay updated without constant interruptions.
“The proposed functionality may provide a small, interactive area at the top of the screen, designed to display live scores of ongoing sports events,” Android Authority explained. On iOS, Dynamic Island allows users to expand the feature for a detailed scoreboard with a long press, and if OnePlus’s adaptation follows suit, it could set a new standard for unobtrusive yet informative notifications on Android devices.
The update’s initial rollout will target the latest OnePlus 13 series, which includes the OnePlus 13, 13R, and 13S. These models have already completed their beta testing phase for OxygenOS 16, ensuring that early adopters will get a polished and stable experience. But the rollout doesn’t stop there. According to the official OnePlus forum and corroborated by Bloomberg Quint, a broad range of devices are set to receive the update in the coming months. The flagship phones on the list include the OnePlus 15, 13, 13R, 13S, 12, 12R, 11, 11R, and the foldable OnePlus Open.
For fans of the Nord series, devices such as the OnePlus Nord 5, Nord 4, and Nord 3 will also be eligible for OxygenOS 16. The Nord CE line—specifically the Nord CE5, CE4, and CE4 Lite—has been confirmed for the update as well. However, not all devices are so lucky. The OnePlus 10 Pro, 10T, 10R, and any device older than the OnePlus 10 series will not be receiving the new software. Similarly, the original OnePlus Nord, Nord 2, Nord 2T, and several models from the N series—including the N10, N100, N200, N20, N300, and N30—are excluded from the update cycle.
OnePlus’s support policy of providing two to three years of software updates means that for some devices, OxygenOS 16 will be the final major upgrade. Android Authority specifically notes that the Nord CE 4, Nord CE 4 Lite, and OnePlus Nord 3 will reach the end of their software support with this release. This approach, while standard in the industry, highlights the importance for users to check their device eligibility before anticipating the update.
Beyond AI and sports tracking, OxygenOS 16 is expected to introduce a series of design and user interface tweaks. Leaks and community reports suggest the addition of lock-screen widgets, refreshed icons, slicker animations, and adjustments to the settings and notification panels. These changes are aimed at creating a more polished and visually appealing user experience—a move likely to please both longtime OnePlus fans and newcomers alike.
Performance and security remain at the core of the update. OnePlus has emphasized that OxygenOS 16 will bring enhanced privacy controls and improved system security, though the company has yet to release a comprehensive changelog detailing every new feature. What is clear, according to the company’s initial statements, is that the combination of AI-driven functionality and user interface refinements is designed to make everyday interactions smoother and more efficient.
“OxygenOS 16 will likely be available for a broad range of OnePlus smartphones and tablets,” Android Authority pointed out, underscoring the company’s commitment to supporting as many devices as feasible. However, the rollout will be staggered, meaning that not all eligible devices will receive the update at the same time. Newer models are expected to get priority, followed by older devices in subsequent waves.
The timing of the launch is also noteworthy. OxygenOS 16’s debut in India comes just one day after Oppo unveils ColorOS 16 in China, signaling a period of intense activity and competition within the Android ecosystem. While some may see this as a strategic move by OnePlus to capture attention, it also reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to innovate and differentiate itself in a crowded market.
For users eagerly awaiting the update, the lack of a full changelog and the absence of a comprehensive list of eligible devices at the time of announcement may be a source of frustration. However, the confirmed features—especially the AI enhancements and live sports tracking—suggest that OxygenOS 16 will be a substantial upgrade for those who receive it.
As OnePlus continues to evolve its software, the balance between innovative features and reliable performance remains a central theme. The integration of Gemini and the expansion of AI capabilities could set a new standard for Android-based operating systems, while the focus on design and usability ensures that the update will appeal to a broad audience.
With the October 16 rollout just around the corner, OnePlus users in India and beyond have plenty to look forward to. Whether it’s the convenience of real-time sports scores, the promise of smarter AI interactions, or simply a sleeker and more secure device, OxygenOS 16 is shaping up to be one of the company’s most ambitious updates yet.
The coming weeks will reveal just how well these new features perform in the real world—and whether OnePlus can maintain its reputation for delivering both cutting-edge innovation and dependable software support.
