Rumors regarding the decline of OnePlus may not be entirely unfounded, just a bit premature. We’ve been discussing the challenges faced by the OnePlus brand over at GadgetLad throughout the year, as the brand is increasingly being absorbed by its parent company Oppo.
Now, it’s officially confirmed that OnePlus is exiting the US and European markets (yes, that includes good old Blighty). Going forward, their focus will shift to China and India. However, whispers suggest that India might not be around for much longer either.
“After careful consideration, OnePlus has made the choice to end product rollouts in Europe and North America,” states an official announcement.
No surprises here. We’ve been witnessing inventory shortages, layoffs (including familiar faces), and Oppo’s overt efforts to redirect customers away from its formerly revered flagship-killer sub-brand for several months now.
Will my OnePlus phone still get updates?
Rest assured, current OnePlus users, as the company behind the brand – Oppo – will continue to exist. You’ll be seeing much more of them in Western markets as we progress.
Additionally, OnePlus isn’t completely disappearing. It will persist in certain markets, even if it’s contracting somewhat.
This indicates that any promised consumer and security update support for your current OnePlus device should proceed as planned. For the latest flagship, the OnePlus 15, that translates to being fully supported until 2031.
No rumors here: both OnePlus and Oppo have assured that any existing devices will receive the full duration of software support.
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
A notice on the official site states: “Existing OnePlus devices will continue to receive firmware updates, security patches, and after-sales assistance. Our customer support channels will remain accessible and responsive in line with our standard warranty and support commitments. Your rights under relevant consumer protection laws remain intact following this announcement.”
The big(ish) change
What’s now confirmed is that all OnePlus devices will transition from OxygenOS to Oppo’s ColourOS (and yes, they are quite similar, as expected).
“Following the official launch of ColorOS 17, users with existing OnePlus devices eligible for the upgrade will have the option to voluntarily transition to the most recent ColorOS. Legacy models that do not qualify for this specific upgrade will persist with continued software maintenance,” said OnePlus.
You can opt to remain with OxygenOS if that’s your preference. The company expresses, “If users move to ColorOS, they will have the ability to revert to OxygenOS. The specific rollback versions available will be communicated in future official announcements.”
Older models that are not eligible for the transition to ColourOS will still receive “version maintenance support”.
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
Should I buy a new OnePlus phone?
Is it wise to buy a OnePlus phone now or in the near future? That is, if you can find one, since the official UK store has run out of devices, leaving only accessories. You might have better luck with third-party vendors like Amazon where you may catch a good bargain, plus the second-hand market is always an option.
Considering that both OnePlus and Oppo will be around for the foreseeable future, immediate concerns about ongoing support aren’t essential.
However, a word of caution. Recent accounts from OnePlus users have indicated some lackluster customer assistance regarding repairs and replacements.
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
In summary, if your brand-new OnePlus device encounters issues under warranty, do not expect the usual standard of service. There won’t be local support available, nor a ready supply of handsets or components in stock.
Some OnePlus users have received vouchers in lieu of replacements. Don’t be surprised if they start promoting Oppo vouchers or alternative handsets.
With that said, brand new OnePlus products may soon become particularly appealing, as a clearance sale is likely. As the report mentions, the remaining OnePlus US and European stock will need to be sold quickly, which may lead to significant discounts.
Given that the OnePlus 15 continues to be one of our favorite phones this year (excelling in performance and battery life), it could represent a rare smartphone deal amidst a year of price increases.
Summing It All Up
“OnePlus on the Rocks – Bargain Hunt or Time to Bail?”
