OnePlus just released OxygenOS 16 with new AI features and surprising Apple ecosystem integration

OnePlus has officially revealed its latest mobile OS, the OxygenOS 16. The update is based on Android 16 and puts AI more in focus, while also extending cross-device connectivity even with Apple’s ecosystem.

AI at the center stage

OnePlus' new design philosophy is AI-first, and it has demonstrated this with OxygenOS 16. Thanks to AI, the OS has now gained Plus Mind for storing and organizing user data like a digital bank called Mind Space. The Collections feature has also borrowed a leaf from Apple iOS’ organized app libraries by intelligently grouping saved content.

OxygenOS 16 also adds voice note transcription and summarizing, AI-powered contextual search, and mind mapping from notes. A new tool will also improve scanned photos by automatically adjusting lighting and angles before converting them into optimized PDFs.

Other AI-based new features include “YumSee,” which generates pictures of dishes from menu scans, and “Party Up,” which makes short videos from photos, a la Google’s Flow tools. OnePlus phones will also use AI to enhance photos taken in low light. These tools, however, are still experimental.

Gemini integration and writing tools

The new OxygenOS 16 has integrated Google’s Gemini into Plus Mind. This allows OnePlus owners to search across data stored on their phone, the web, and Gemini’s knowledge bank simultaneously. OnePlus also added a new AI-enabled writing tool that can proofread, summarize, and polish text. This is similar to suite of functionalities in Apple Intelligence.

Cross-device and Apple connectivity

OnePlus’ latest update comes with the new O+ Connect feature. The system promises seamless file sharing, enhancing device interactivity. Interestingly, it also enables screen mirroring between OnePlus devices and PCs or Macs. O+ Connect also supports rapid data transfer with iPhones through a tool similar to the NameDrop feature.

Remote Control, as the name suggests, will allow users to remotely control their computer from their phone or tablet.

Fitness enthusiasts will be excited to know that OxygenOS 16 supports pairing with Apple Watch through the OHealth app. They see notifications, manage calls, and sync health data.

Performance and availability

According to OnePlus, animations will now appear smoother courtesy of the improved Flow Motion engine. The company also boasts that phones will handle multitasking faster with Parallel Processing 2.0.

OxygenOS 16 will come pre-installed on the OnePlus 15. However, OnePlus will open the beta program to older devices on October 17. Below are the devices compatible with the update:

• OnePlus 13
• OnePlus 13R
• OnePlus 13s
• OnePlus Open
• OnePlus 12
• OnePlus 12R
• OnePlus 11 5G
• OnePlus 11R 5G
• OnePlus 10 Pro 5G
• OnePlus Nord 5
• OnePlus Nord 4
• OnePlus Nord 3 5G
• OnePlus Nord CE5
• OnePlus Nord CE4
• OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G
• OnePlus Pad 3
• OnePlus Pad 2
• OnePlus Pad
• OnePlus Pad Lite