This update represents a major step forward in OnePlus’s software strategy, not simply tweaking the interface but introducing a comprehensive redesign focused on performance, flexibility and artificial intelligence integration. Central to the experience is the new Parallel Processing 2.0 system, which reduces input-lag by beginning animations before previous operations have finished, resulting in a smoother and more seamless user experience.

In practical terms, users will notice improved responsiveness when switching apps or pulling down menus; the “Fast & Smooth” feel — long associated with OnePlus — gets a fresh boost. The user interface has been refined: the new Luminous Rendering Engine delivers enhanced lighting and motion effects, and the lock screen has been revamped with the new Flux Theme 2.0, supporting animated video wallpapers, interactive widgets and a more immersive Always-On Display (AOD).

Multitasking also receives a significant upgrade. OxygenOS 16 introduces expanded grid and layout options for the home screen, allowing for customized icon sizing, folder layouts and page ordering. More importantly for power users, Open Canvas—OnePlus’s split-screen tool—now allows up to five apps to run concurrently (three in split view + two floating), enhancing productivity on larger-screen devices.

On the AI front, OxygenOS 16 brings several bold new features. Plus Mind acts as an AI-powered memory hub, enabling users to store voice notes, screenshots and captured content via a dedicated “Plus” key. The AI VoiceScribe feature delivers call summaries and meeting transcripts with automatic voice-based categorization, while the updated Recorder app uses AI-driven noise cancellation and context detection to optimize recordings of lectures, interviews or conversations.

Creative workflows have been enhanced too. The Photos app now provides AI-assisted editing and organization: swiping up on an image brings instant access to metadata, editing tools and storage insights. The built-in video editor now offers transitions, background music and motion photo collages, while portrait lighting and glow effects benefit from AI enhancements.

Behind the scenes, OnePlus’s new Trinity Engine performance-management framework dynamically balances processing power, thermals and energy consumption to deliver smoother operation and longer battery life. Network efficiency has also been improved with smarter Wi-Fi algorithms for weak signal areas and a refined “Game Assistant” mode for fluid gameplay without interruptions.

As for the rollout, OnePlus has divided the upgrade into three phases. In Phase 1 (November 2025), the OnePlus 13, 13s, 13R, Open, 12 and 12R devices (plus Pad models) will receive OxygenOS 16. Phase 2 (December 2025) will cover the OnePlus 11 series, Nord 5, Nord CE 5, Nord 4/3, and Phase 3 (January–March 2026) includes the Beyond-flagship, Pad Lite, OnePlus 10 Pro and Nord CE 4/4 Lite.

Users interested in installing the update can navigate to Settings → System & Updates → Software Update, check for the OxygenOS 16 rollout, and ensure their phone has at least 30 % battery and sufficient storage before starting the download.