OnePlus replacing OxygenOS with ColorOS could mark one of the biggest changes in the company’s history. According to recent reports, supported OnePlus phones in the United States and Europe are expected to transition to OPPO’s ColorOS for future software updates.

For many years, OxygenOS was one of the main reasons people bought OnePlus phones. It offered fast performance, simple menus and a cleaner Android experience. However, the software has gradually moved closer to ColorOS because OnePlus and OPPO already share much of the same underlying code.

Therefore, the upcoming change may remove the OxygenOS name without completely transforming how supported OnePlus phones work.

Is OnePlus Replacing OxygenOS Officially?

The transition has been reported alongside OnePlus reducing or ending new phone launches in the United States and European markets.

According to The Verge, OPPO plans to provide future updates to supported OnePlus devices through ColorOS. Existing warranties and after-sales support are also expected to continue in the affected regions.

However, this does not necessarily mean that every OnePlus phone worldwide will immediately lose OxygenOS. The rollout could vary according to:

• The user’s country
• The OnePlus phone model
• The device’s remaining support period
• Regional software policies
• Availability of official ColorOS firmware

As a result, users should wait for an official notification on their phones rather than installing unofficial software manually.

Why Is OnePlus Replacing OxygenOS?

OnePlus replacing OxygenOS is not an entirely unexpected decision. OnePlus and OPPO have shared software development resources for several years.

In 2021, the companies confirmed that OxygenOS and ColorOS would use a unified codebase. Although the interfaces kept separate names, their menus, system apps, animations and customisation features became increasingly similar.

Moving supported devices to one software platform may help OPPO simplify development. In addition, it could reduce the amount of testing required for every Android update.

The main reasons may include:

• Lower software development costs
• Easier maintenance of older devices
• Faster delivery of security patches
• Better integration between OPPO and OnePlus
• Consistent features across supported phones
• Fewer differences between regional software versions

Although these benefits sound promising, the quality of the transition will depend on how well ColorOS is optimised for existing OnePlus hardware.

OxygenOS and ColorOS Comparison

OxygenOS originally became popular because it looked and felt closer to standard Android. ColorOS, meanwhile, focused more heavily on visual customisation, animations and built-in tools.

Nevertheless, recent versions of both systems are already very similar.

Consequently, users moving from a recent OxygenOS version to ColorOS may not experience a completely unfamiliar interface.

Many settings, icons, and animations could remain similar. However, the OxygenOS name and some OnePlus-specific applications may disappear.

What Will Happen to Existing OnePlus Phones?

Existing supported OnePlus phones should continue receiving their promised updates. However, future updates in affected regions could arrive as ColorOS rather than OxygenOS.

OPPO has said that software updates and after-sales support will remain available for existing customers in the US and Europe. The exact update schedule has not yet been provided for every model.

Therefore, eligibility will depend on the original update commitment for each phone.

For example, a newer OnePlus flagship with several years of support remaining may receive the transition. In contrast, an older phone that has reached the end of its support period may not receive a major ColorOS update.

Users can check for an available update by opening:

Settings > About Device > Software Update

The wording may differ slightly depending on the current OxygenOS version.

Will OnePlus Replacing OxygenOS Delete User Data?

An official over-the-air update should normally preserve installed applications, photos, videos and personal settings.

Even so, every major operating system transition carries a small risk of installation errors. Therefore, users should create a full backup before installing ColorOS.

Important data can be backed up using:

• Google Drive
• Google Photos
• A computer or external storage drive
• The OnePlus Clone Phone application
• Another secure cloud storage service

Users should also ensure that the battery has at least 50 per cent charge before beginning the update.

For additional preparation, read our guide explaining how to check battery health on Android and iPhone.

What Features Could ColorOS Bring?

ColorOS includes a wide range of visual, privacy and multitasking tools. Therefore, the transition may add features that were previously unavailable on some OnePlus phones.

Possible features include:

• Improved always-on display options
• Additional lock-screen customisation
• Floating windows for multitasking
• Expanded icon and theme controls
• Smart sidebar shortcuts
• AI-assisted photo-editing tools
• Battery charging protection
• Enhanced privacy controls
• Improved cross-device connectivity

However, available features will depend on the phone’s processor, Android version and region.

Older devices may receive a simplified version because some AI and visual features require newer hardware.

Will OnePlus Phones Still Feel Fast?

Performance has always been an important part of the OnePlus identity. Therefore, many users are concerned that ColorOS could make their phones slower or add unnecessary software.

Modern ColorOS versions are designed for high-end OPPO devices as well as mid-range phones. Consequently, supported OnePlus models should still provide smooth animations and fast app performance when the software is properly optimised.

Still, performance may vary after the update. Some users could temporarily experience:

• Higher battery usage
• Additional background activity
• Slower app loading
• Increased storage use
• Minor interface bugs
• Device heating during initial optimisation

These issues often improve after the phone completes background optimisation. Restarting the device and updating all installed apps may also help.

Users experiencing display problems can follow our guide on why a phone screen is not responding to touch.

Can Users Return to OxygenOS?

Reports indicate that users may have an option to return to OxygenOS after receiving ColorOS. However, rolling back could prevent the phone from receiving future official updates.

A software rollback may also require the phone to be reset. Therefore, photos, applications and local files could be removed during the process.

Users should not attempt a rollback unless OnePlus or OPPO provides:

• Official firmware for the exact model
• Clear installation instructions
• Regional compatibility information
• A supported rollback package
• Details about future update eligibility

Installing firmware designed for another region could cause network, payment or security problems.

Will Future OnePlus Phones Use ColorOS?

OnePlus phones sold in China already use ColorOS instead of OxygenOS. Therefore, expanding ColorOS to more international devices would simplify the company’s software strategy.

Recent reporting suggests future support arrangements will differ by market. The transition appears most clearly connected with OnePlus devices in the United States and Europe, while the company continues operating in important Asian markets.

As a result, future OnePlus phones could use:

• ColorOS in China
• ColorOS in markets where OPPO manages support
• OxygenOS in selected remaining international markets
• Region-specific versions during the transition period

Buyers should check the official product page before purchasing a new OnePlus phone because software branding may vary between regions.

Is ColorOS Better Than OxygenOS?

Neither interface is automatically better for every user.

OxygenOS became popular because of its simple appearance and fast performance. On the other hand, ColorOS offers more built-in tools and deeper visual customisation.

Users who prefer a clean interface may continue to favour OxygenOS. However, people who want more themes, multitasking tools and personalisation may prefer ColorOS.

Nevertheless, recent versions share so much software that the practical differences may be smaller than the branding suggests.

What Should OnePlus Users Do Now?

OnePlus users do not need to take immediate action.

Instead, they should continue using their phones normally and install only verified updates delivered through the official settings menu.

Before installing a major update, users should:

1. Back up important files.
2. Charge the phone sufficiently.
3. Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network.
4. Check the update version and download size.
5. Read regional release notes.
6. Update important applications.
7. Avoid unofficial firmware websites.

Users can also visit the official OnePlus Support website for device-specific updates and warranty information.

For more Android guidance, read Android 17 new features you should try first.

OnePlus Replacing OxygenOS: Final Thoughts

OnePlus replacing OxygenOS with ColorOS could mark the end of an important chapter for the Android brand.

OxygenOS once helped OnePlus stand apart by providing a fast and lightweight alternative to heavily customised Android interfaces. However, recent versions already share many features and design elements with ColorOS.

Therefore, the change may feel more like a software rebranding than an entirely new operating system.

Supported OnePlus users in affected markets should continue receiving promised updates. Still, they should check official announcements carefully because rollout dates, eligible models and software features may differ by region.

Most importantly, users should back up their data and avoid installing unofficial ColorOS packages before an official update becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is OnePlus replacing OxygenOS with ColorOS?

OnePlus replacing OxygenOS has been reported for supported devices in the United States and Europe. Future software updates for eligible phones in these markets may use OPPO’s ColorOS.

Why is OnePlus ending OxygenOS?

OnePlus and OPPO already use a shared software foundation. Moving to ColorOS could simplify development, reduce costs and make long-term device support easier to manage.

Will existing OnePlus phones receive ColorOS?

Eligible OnePlus phones may receive ColorOS if they still have official software support remaining. However, availability will depend on the phone model and region.

Will ColorOS remove my photos and applications?

An official system update should normally preserve user data. Nevertheless, creating a complete backup before installing the update is strongly recommended.

Can I continue using OxygenOS?

Users can continue using their current OxygenOS version until an official update arrives. A rollback option may also be available, although returning to OxygenOS could affect future update eligibility.

Is ColorOS safe to install on a OnePlus phone?

ColorOS is safe when it is delivered officially for the exact OnePlus model and region. Users should never install firmware downloaded from an unknown website.

Will OnePlus phones still receive Android updates?

Supported phones should continue receiving the updates promised under their original software policy. However, those updates may arrive through ColorOS in affected markets.

Is OxygenOS already based on ColorOS?

Recent OxygenOS versions share a common codebase and several system features with ColorOS. Therefore, the two interfaces are already closely connected.