Vivo announced the launch of the newOrigin OS 6OPPO also recently announced a smoother operationColorOS 16 user interfaceLater, OnePlus also announced the launch of Android 16-basedOxygenOS 16 user interface, which will be pre-installed with the OnePlus 15, expected to debut this fall. The new system not only enhances the phone's lock screen customization options but also features deep integration with Google Gemini in international versions, demonstrating OnePlus's aggressive investment in AI.
Innovative combination of Mind Space and Gemini
The core highlight of OxygenOS 16 is the deep integration of the "Mind Space" application and Google Gemini.
Mind Space was originally a feature launched this year with some OnePlus 13 models and the Plus Key that replaced the classic mute button. Nothing OS's Essential Space can automatically capture screenshots and voice memos and organize them into categories.
In OxygenOS 16, users can now ask Gemini to provide personalized responses by referencing content in Mind Space. This innovation enables the AI assistant to provide answers that are more relevant to user needs based on richer contextual information, similar to the "AI Memory Store" feature of the OPPO Find X9 series.
Enhanced AI writing and photo editing capabilities
Following market trends, OnePlus has also added AI writing and photo editing features to OxygenOS 16. AI Writer can convert text into mind maps and tables with a simple tap, generate social media captions based on photos, and also has built-in proofreading and text summarization functions.
In terms of photo editing, the new "AI Portrait Halo" feature can keep faces clear and visible in low-light environments, while "AI Perfect Shot" is similar to Google's Best Take feature, merging multiple photos to produce a perfect image with everyone's eyes open.
Comprehensive improvement in customization and animation effects
In addition to AI features, OxygenOS 16 also significantly improves customization options and animation effects. Users can now customize the lock screen with a variety of different fonts and layouts, including converting static images into animated GIFs or using videos as the lock screen background.
The home screen features a series of new widgets and the ability to resize app icons, a design concept also found in Nothing OS. Opening and switching apps is even smoother with smoother animations and updated content loading methods. Parallel Processing 2.0 technology allows new animations to begin before the previous action is complete, creating a more fluid experience.
Release schedule and device compatibility
OxygenOS 16 will launch alongside the OnePlus 15, and while a release date hasn't been announced, it's expected to debut this fall.
The system update will be pushed to recently launched OnePlus devices, including OnePlus 13, OnePlus Pad 3 and OnePlus Open, starting from November 2025. The complete list of compatible devices has been published on the OnePlus official website.
In addition, OxygenOS 16 also expands the multitasking system originally used on the OnePlus Pad tablet and adds a new connection option that can mirror the phone screen to a macOS or Windows computer, demonstrating OnePlus's ambition to build a cross-device ecosystem.
