Android 16-based OxygenOS 16 Open Beta goes live for six OnePlus phones
OnePlus has officially kicked off the first OxygenOS 16 Open Beta for its 2024 and 2023 flagships, allowing select users to try out an early version of the Android 16-based update before its public release.
In the first wave, the company is opening up the beta program to the OnePlus 13, OnePlus 13R, OnePlus 13S, OnePlus 12, OnePlus 12R, and OnePlus Open foldable. For now, the beta is restricted to the Indian models, but the company says it plans to extend the program to the EU/UK and North American variants soon.
If you’re rocking one of the eligible phones and want to test drive the new OxygenOS 16 update, the company has posted detailed step-by-step instructions for joining the program at the linked threads below. It includes various prerequisites, such as the exact software version your device should be running, as well as the rollback package needed to revert your phone to the stable version of OxygenOS. Beta applications close on October 13th.
Needless to say, you should be wary of installing a beta update like this on your primary device, as you’re likely to run into bugs, inconsistencies, and other oddities that are all too common in in-development software builds. If you do decide to take the plunge, it will be a good idea to take a full backup and keep the rollback package handy.
While OnePlus calls this an “open beta,” the company is making the early adopters jump through a few hoops first. You’ll need to fill out a questionnaire to prove your readiness, and the company says it can take up to five days for applications to be reviewed. Once accepted, the beta update will roll out over the air.
OnePlus hasn’t shared a full list of devices that will receive the Android 16 update just yet, but based on its official software maintenance schedule, it’s safe to assume the rollout will cover a bunch of mid-range and budget models and older flagships. That likely includes the OnePlus 11, Nord 5, Nord 4, Nord CE 5, Nord CE 4, as well as the OnePlus Pad 3 and Pad 2. For more details, check out this thread from OnePlus community member Andy UK.
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