Update | OnePlus is reportedly switching from HydrogenOS to ColorOS in China

Update: According to a Chinese media outlet article, the "H2OS discontinuation" QQ message is in fact false and the ROM will continue to function and continue in development at OnePlus as normal. It cites the Weibo account of a "relevant" individual associated with the OEM (apparently posting from a 9 Pro, moreover) on this subject.

OnePlus' OOS is often regarded as one of the best non-stock Android ROMs developed by an individual OEM. However, this has not prevented new claims that its version for Chinese-market devices, H2OS, is no more.

According to a message allegedly issued from OnePlus to its Chinese customers via the messaging app QQ, H2OS’ official website will shut down on March 24, 2021 - just 1 day after the launch of the company’s newest 9 flagship series. Furthermore, its OTA update server will be suspended by April 1, 2021.

These changes will culminate in a switch to ColorOS for OnePlus users in China. Furthermore, it seems all new devices from this brand will be sold through OPPO stores in this country going forward.

This apparent news might lend more weight to rumors that OnePlus and OPPO – both part of the Oga Group in terms of ownership – would come closer to merging in the future.

The putative OS change might also prove disappointing for some OnePlus fans, even those that use OOS, as H2OS has often served as an alpha of sorts for the global ROM.

Nevertheless, an OEM representative has reportedly confirmed that no replacement for OOS is planned, stating that it “remains our OS for all global devices”.

Therefore, it now seems that, even if OnePlus products do indeed get much more OPPO on the future, they might do so in China only.

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