OnePlus announced today that it will now match Samsung's commitment to software and security updates for its handsets, which means that the brand will supply 4 major Android OS updates and five years' worth of security patches. The press release also details when we can expect OxygenOS 13.1 to begin rolling out and some of the new features it will bring. We've got the details for you after the break.
The great news is that OnePlus is committing to rolling out four major Android OS updates with security patches for five years. The only bad news is that this new policy will only apply to handsets released from 2023 onwards and not phones such as the OnePlus 10T or Nord N300. Still, this means that those buying a OnePlus handset in 2023 can expect to get a phone that is well-supported and secure for five years.
“OxygenOS is an integral part of OnePlus, co-created by our community members,” said Gary Chen,
Head of Software Products at OnePlus. “As a user-oriented company, we do everything we can to
enhance user experience. With more users keeping their devices for longer, we want to make sure we
can offer that possibility. This new update policy will give users access to the latest security and
functional features required to power OnePlus’ signature fast-and-smooth experience throughout the
lifetime of the phone.”
OxygenOS 13.1
Besides launching by mid-2023, the Android 13-based OxygenOS 13.1 will also include these new features:
- AI System Booster: With advanced, intelligent memory management systems, there is a 30% increase in fluency rate, a 20% increase in app installation speed, and a 10% increase in app start-up speed compared to previous versions of OxygenOS.
- Homeland Always on Display: A new, dynamic Always On Display (AOD) triggered by the real-time temperate change. It reveals the environmental changes in the habitats that animals rely on based on daily temperature changes. The AOD also lets you view the time, date, notifications, missed calls, and more when the screen is turned off.
- Spotify Always on Display: OnePlus is the first OEM to offer a music AOD in the market, working with Spotify to fine-tune the details of the Spotify AOD such as colors, font size, and icon style.
- The first Spatial Audio developed with Google: OnePlus is the first manufacturer to co-develop their Spatial Audio technology with Google and Dolby, securing both deep integrations with Android, and the best possible experience with Dolby Atmos. The close collaboration has resulted in support for both multi-channel and dual-channel content. “
- Private Safe 2.0: The Private Safe 2.0 on OxygenOS 13 ensures that data sharing is safe and secure. For specific application scenarios, OnePlus implements the “Auto Pixelate” feature on Facebook messenger and WhatsApp. When users share screenshots from these two apps, OxygenOS 13 will automatically pixelate private information to ensure that user's data will not be accidentally leaked. When the app requests permission from the user, the user can choose to reject it, agree this time, or always agree.
After OxygenOS 13.1, OnePlus will label its software versions in accordance with the official Android OS version, which means that the following release will be called OxygenOS 14 which will be based on Android 14, and so on.
