The metaverse is starting to crack as Horizon Worlds is reportedly shutting down on the Quest VR headsets. OpenAI is also planning a shutdown of its Sora video app.
As if that wasn't enough, fresh rumors that OnePlus could scale back operations across major countries have surfaced. Presence and sales in those regions don't seem to be doing so well.
All of these bad news are landing within the same window, and they're almost too neatly lined up. With April 1 just days away, it’s hard not to look at the timing twice and wonder what’s actually going on.
April Fools' maybe, or maybe not… or maybe?
Known tech leaker, Yogesh Brar, posted on X that OnePlus is shutting down or scaling back operations in some global markets, specifically the United States, United Kingdom, and parts of Europe. The post has now been deleted.
But not before several blogs caught a screenshot of it. According to him, China will remain unchanged, while India will move toward budget and mid-range devices.
India CEO Robin Liu publicly called the claims false. OnePlus North America then followed Android Authority, saying that operations are continuing as usual and support is still intact.
In a quite comical turn of events, he has stepped down from his position. Yet again, OnePlus maintained its story to Android Authority that all is well. Robin seems to have left to pursue “personal interests”.
We thank Robin for his contributions to OnePlus India. He moves on to pursue his personal passions, and we wish him the very best for his future endeavours. OnePlus India operations continue with local strategy and business continuity ensured.
OnePlus
The rollercoaster couldn't stop moving fast, so 9to5Google spoke to an unidentified source, who says once more that the company indeed plans to shut down in some markets. Closures will likely begin in early April. Some staff have already been informed and given severance packages.
Market exit may affect global release of these upcoming gadgets
What makes this period strange for users is how contradictory everything is at the same time. OnePlus just launched the OnePlus 15T in China with a 7,500mAh battery larger than most phones, and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip rumored to also appear on two upcoming tablets.
They're also launching the powerful Nord 6 phone with a 9,000mAh battery on April 7 in India, while working on Android handheld consoles for first-person shooters at the same time. We spotted it days ago on the OnePlus Club X account. The center holds a phone display, and the controller itself is quite a chunky frame in black and red.
The grips curve outward on both sides. Each side has a joystick positioned near the top, with shoulder triggers labeled L1/L2 on the left and R1/R2 on the right. Given all these leaks, this period was supposed to be one of excitement. But it's possible that the handheld console, and many other unreleased projects, may never make it to the US after all.
