OxygenOS 16 is OnePlus’ biggest update yet—ushering in a new era of fluid design, deeper AI features, and meaningful user-focused improvements. Built on Android 16, it blends Google’s latest under-the-hood innovations with OnePlus-exclusive enhancements like Flow Motion animations, advanced AI toolkits, and seamless cross-platform connectivity—even with Apple devices.
If you own a OnePlus device or are planning to upgrade soon, this guide is for you. We cover the official list of compatible phones and tablets, explain OxygenOS 16’s standout features, outline how to safely upgrade, and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of updating right away. Here is a full list of Oppo devices.
Table of Contents
OxygenOS 16 Compatible Devices: Full List & Rollout Schedule
OnePlus is rolling out OxygenOS 16 in several phases between November 2025 and Q1 2026. Below is the official list of eligible devices and when you can expect to receive it via OTA (over-the-air) update:
Starting November 2025
- OnePlus 13
- OnePlus 13R
- OnePlus 13S
- OnePlus 12
- OnePlus 12R
- OnePlus Open (Foldable)
- OnePlus Pad 3
- OnePlus Pad 2
Starting December 2025
- OnePlus 11 5G
- OnePlus 11R 5G
- OnePlus Nord 5
- OnePlus Nord CE5
- OnePlus Nord 4
- OnePlus Nord 3 5G
Staring Q1 2026
- OnePlus 10 Pro 5G
- OnePlus Nord CE4
- OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G
- OnePlus Pad
- OnePlus Pad Lite
Note: Updates roll out in batches by region, device, and carrier. Some users may see the update before others with the same model. Be patient and check regularly in Settings → System → Updates.
Read More: ColorOS 16: OPPO’s Next Big Step in Smartphone Software
OxygenOS 16 Compatible Devices Table
| Device Name | Category | Expected Rollout |
| OnePlus 13 | Flagship | Nov 2025 |
| OnePlus 13R/13S | Flagship | Nov 2025 |
| OnePlus 12/12R | Flagship | Nov 2025 |
| OnePlus Open | Foldable | Nov 2025 |
| OnePlus Pad 3, Pad 2 | Tablet | Nov 2025 |
| OnePlus 11/11R 5G | Flagship | Dec 2025 |
| OnePlus Nord 5/CE5 | Mid-range | Dec 2025 |
| OnePlus Nord 4 | Mid-range | Dec 2025 |
| OnePlus Nord 3 5G | Mid-range | Dec 2025 |
| OnePlus 10 Pro 5G | Flagship | Q1 2026 |
| OnePlus Nord CE4/CE4 Lite 5G | Mid-range | Q1 2026 |
| OnePlus Pad/Pad Lite | Tablet | Q1 2026 |
Top Features: What’s New in OxygenOS 16?
Fresh Design Language: “Breathe With You”
OxygenOS 16 unveils a reinvigorated UI with OnePlus’ new “Breathe With You” visual philosophy. Expect a lighter, cleaner interface filled with subtle blur effects (Liquid Glass), smoother rounded elements, and a brighter, more positive look across system apps and settings. Even core apps like Weather, Calculator, and the Quick Settings panel have been visually refreshed for a more modern feel.
Custom animations now ripple throughout the interface, with a “glow” effect on touches and a more dynamic always-on display that feels alive. Widget options, notification panels, and even the calculator get unique, bubbly touches.
Expansive Customization & Lock Screen Upgrades
Lock screen and home screen customization take center stage. Thanks to Flux Themes 2.0, users can tailor the lock screen experience like never before:
- Set motion photos or videos as lock screen wallpapers with depth effects
- Choose from multiple clock styles, font sizes/colors, and even upload custom word art
- Add mini-widgets like weather, calendar, or music controls for glanceable info without needing to unlock
Home screen upgrades let you resize app icons and folders, apply dynamic icon packs (including the new “Flux” pack that adapts to wallpaper colors), and enjoy an app drawer that’s easier to search and organize with new Categories.
Parallel Processing 2.0 & Flow Motion: Smoother Than Ever
Fast, flawless animations were a OnePlus selling point for years. With Parallel Processing 2.0, OxygenOS 16 now rapidly handles multiple UI animations—across navigation buttons, foldable multitasking interfaces, and the Shelf—resulting in virtually lag-free transitions. The new Flow Motion engine stitches together everything from the always-on display to the home screen into a single, fluid experience so your phone feels even faster than its hardware specs suggest.
Advanced AI Integration: Mind Space & Google Gemini
OxygenOS 16 puts AI at the core of your experience, intelligently organizing your digital life. The new Mind Space app collects screenshots, notes, and voice memos (up to 60 seconds) into a private hub, which now works seamlessly with Google Gemini. Gemini can turn your saved data into practical outputs—e.g., transcribing receipts, building travel itineraries, or summarizing web pages.
AI powers the built-in Writer (for generating mind maps, captions, or social posts), automatic document scanning, and real-time audio transcription with speaker detection. These features streamline workflows for everyone from students to professionals.
Cross-Device Functionality & Apple Ecosystem Features
OxygenOS 16 expands connectivity well beyond OnePlus alone. The unified Cross-Device Connectivity menu helps users:
- Cast screens and sync notifications between OnePlus phones, tablets, and Windows/macOS PCs (via O+ Connect app)
- Instantly share photos/files, clipboards, or even internet connections
- Mirror your phone on your OnePlus Pad or vice versa
- Enjoy Apple Watch integration for simple notifications and camera control, plus health data sync via OHealth Connect
Notably, OnePlus breaks ecosystem barriers, helping Android users get a taste of Apple Watch utility without switching to iOS.
Better Camera & Gaming Experience
Smarter image processing means better low-light, sharper autofocus, and enhanced Portrait Glow/AI photo touch-up. The camera, powered by Hasselblad partnerships in upper-tier devices, leans on software to elevate your mobile photography with less manual editing.
Gaming gets a significant step up as well, with proper 120FPS support on compatible hardware, an improved Game Assistant for performance tuning, and tighter organization of game screenshots, clips, and achievements.
AI Toolkits: Productivity, Photography & More
OxygenOS 16’s AI Toolkit has three pillars:
- AI Productivity
- Mind maps, summary generation, smart search, real-time transcription
- AI Creativity
- Document scanning, photo-to-PDF, motion photos, new editing tools
- AI PlayLab (Experimental)
- “Party Up” video generator, “YumSee” dish image creator, and more
File sharing, note-taking, and cloud/private computing controls are all enhanced.
How to Upgrade to OxygenOS 16 (Step-by-Step)
Upgrading is simple, but a few prep steps ensure things go smoothly and minimize risk.
Before You Update
- Back Up All Data: Use OnePlus Clone Phone, Google Drive, or your preferred cloud service for contacts, apps, photos, and files.
- Free Up Space: At least 6GB of free storage is recommended for a glitch-free installation.
- Check Battery: Charge to at least 60% before starting the update.
- Update Pre-Requirements: Install any interim security or feature updates before checking for OxygenOS 16.
OTA (Over-the-Air) Upgrade
- Open Settings
- Go to System → Updates
- Tap Check for updates
- If OxygenOS 16 appears, tap Download and wait for completion.
- Tap Install now and allow your device to reboot multiple times—this is normal.
Local/Manual Installation
- Download the correct OxygenOS 16 package (official only!)
- Place it in your device’s root storage
- Go to Settings → About device → Version and enable Developer Options
- In Software Update, use the three-dot menu to enable Local Upgrade
- Select your file and follow the prompts
Rollbacks to OxygenOS 15 are possible, but wipe all data. Make a full backup beforehand!
Benefits of Upgrading
Upgrading to OxygenOS 16 delivers transformative real-world improvements:
- Smoother, More Responsive Performance: Thanks to advanced animation engines and Parallel Processing 2.0, phones “feel” faster—especially on 120Hz+ screens.
- More Useful Customization: Tailor your lock screen, widgets, home screen, and even app icons. Your phone finally matches your personal style, not just the manufacturer’s vision.
- Smarter Everyday AI: Mind Space and Gemini lighten your cognitive load. Summarize research, quickly find files, or automate workflows with a few taps.
- Powerful Multitasking: Run more apps at once, use multi-window tools, and effortlessly drag-and-drop between devices (Open Canvas and enhanced multitasking on tablets/foldables).
- Improved Camera Output: AI-powered features result in better night shots, portraits, and instant photo touch-up—no pro skills needed.
- Future-Ready Security: Android 16’s security additions mean safer data, better privacy dashboards, and advanced features like Advanced Protection and Identity Check.
- Apple Ecosystem Integration (Limited): Notification mirroring, camera controls, and health data sync with Apple Watch.
Drawbacks & Things to Consider
No major OS update is flawless. Here’s what to watch for with OxygenOS 16:
- Early Bugs: Betas can be unstable and some bugs may persist in early public rollouts.
- App Compatibility: Not all apps may work perfectly at launch—especially banking, security, or niche utilities.
- Resource Usage: Older or lower-end devices may not realize the full performance/longevity benefits. Extra AI features can consume more RAM or slightly reduce battery life, though adaptive management aims to balance this.
- Learning Curve: The new UI (especially the notification panel, quick settings, and customization menus) will take some users time to adapt.
- Privacy Concerns: Mind Space and AI features that reference cloud-based Gemini require reviewing (and potentially limiting) data sharing.
- Big Storage Footprint: The update is hefty. Users with 128GB or less should manage space carefully.
User Tips for a Smooth Upgrade
- Backup, backup, backup! Never rely on any update not causing issues.
- Familiarize yourself with new permissions—especially for Mind Space and Gemini integration.
- Check app compatibility: Especially if you depend on certain banking or business applications.
- Monitor battery/heat: Allow several days for system optimizations after the update.
- Explore settings: New features are sometimes off by default or need to be toggled.
- Join OnePlus forums: Early bug reports and solutions surface here fastest.
- Use widget options judiciously: Too many can clutter the new lock/home screens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will OxygenOS 16 be available for my device?
- Flagships & tablets: November 2025
- Mid-range Nord series: December 2025
- Older flagships/tablets: Q1 2026
Can I manually install OxygenOS 16 before the OTA?
- Yes, using official update packages, but always back up your data first.
Will beta channel users get the update first?
- Usually, yes. But beta builds may be less stable than final rollouts.
What is Mind Space and how does it help?
- It’s OnePlus’s digital “vault” for notes, screenshots, and voice memos, now supercharged by Google Gemini’s AI for summaries, reminders, and planning.
Does OxygenOS 16 use more battery?
- Some users notice a minor hit early on, but adaptive management often balances this within a week. Older phones may see less benefit.
Can I roll back to OxygenOS 15?
- Yes—using a rollback package, but this completely wipes your device.
What security improvements are included?
- Advanced Protection, updated privacy dashboard, better passcode/identity management, and Android 16’s under-the-hood protections.
Does OxygenOS 16 work with Apple Watch?
- Limited but expanding support for notifications, fitness data, and camera controls.
Is the update worth it for older phones?
- If you rely on speed, AI, or customization, yes. If stability is your top need and the phone is 3+ years old, consider waiting for stable feedback.
Conclusion: Should You Upgrade?
You have seen OxygenOS 16 Compatible devices, so you know if you can upgrade. OxygenOS 16 is OnePlus’s most versatile and user-focused update yet. For most users with compatible devices—especially recent flagships and Nords—the upgrade is absolutely worth it: smoother visuals, smarter AI, real cross-device compatibility, and a more beautiful daily experience.
Older devices or stability-focused users should carefully back up, review feedback, and perhaps wait until one or two minor updates address any teething bugs.
If you want your phone to feel smarter, faster, and truly personal, OxygenOS 16 delivers in meaningful ways. Don’t just update for new features—update for a better relationship with your daily tech.
Sources: The Indian Express, Android Central, 9To5Google
