OnePlus has officially started rolling out OxygenOS 16, its Android 16-powered operating system, for OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13s smartphones. The update, released on October 16, 2025, introduces a redesigned user interface, enhanced animations, advanced lock screen customisation options, and a suite of new AI-powered features.

Fluid animations with Parallel Processing 2.0

A key highlight of OxygenOS 16 is the introduction of Parallel Processing 2.0, a technology designed to deliver smoother animations and transitions across the system.

According to OnePlus, this feature allows animations to begin before previous actions are completed, offering continuous visual fluidity. This improvement enhances everything from system navigation gestures to app transitions, creating a seamless and faster-feeling user experience.

Resizable icons and better multitasking

Another major addition is the ability to resize app icons and folders directly on the home screen, enabling greater personalisation.

For tablet users, OnePlus has also refined Open Canvas, its multitasking interface. OxygenOS 16 now allows users to open up to five apps simultaneously, with three in split-screen view and two more as floating windows — providing enhanced flexibility for productivity and entertainment.

Lock screen widgets and new visual themes

The update introduces lock screen widgets for the first time, addressing a long-standing request from users. Depending on the chosen theme, these widgets can appear horizontally or vertically.

OxygenOS 16 also debuts the Flux Theme 2.0, which supports video wallpapers, Motion Photos, and depth interactions. Additionally, users can now enjoy a full-screen Always-on Display (AOD) that displays wallpapers and contextual information even when the device is locked.

The update brings new wallpapers, themes, and subtle design tweaks that combine minimalism with fluid transitions, aligning closely with Google’s Material You design philosophy.

Fluid Cloud: Smarter real-time updates

The new Fluid Cloud feature brings real-time alerts and updates from apps like food delivery services, sports platforms, and Spotify directly to the lock screen.

Visually, OxygenOS 16 introduces a translucent interface, rounded corners, and Gaussian blur effects across system menus, including the App Drawer, Home Screen, and Quick Settings. Core applications such as Clock and Calculator have also received updated layouts and functionality.

Plus Mind: AI memory and voice assistant upgrades

Perhaps the most transformative feature of OxygenOS 16 is Plus Mind, an evolved version of the AI-driven assistant introduced with the OnePlus 13s.

Initially launched as a smart screenshot and note-taking tool, Plus Mind now allows users to:

  • Share and save images within the app
  • Press and hold the Plus Key to record voice memos of up to one minute
  • Capture extended screenshots, enabling users to save long articles or web pages effortlessly

OnePlus describes Plus Mind as a step toward creating a “virtual memory palace,” integrating AI assistance with everyday device use.

OxygenOS 16 rollout schedule

OnePlus has confirmed a three-phase rollout plan for OxygenOS 16:

  • First wave (October 2025): OnePlus 13, OnePlus 13s
  • Second wave (December 2025): OnePlus 11, OnePlus 11R, OnePlus Nord 5, Nord CE 5, Nord 4, Nord 3
  • Final wave (January–March 2026): OnePlus Pad, Pad Lite, OnePlus 10 Pro, Nord CE 4, Nord CE 4 Lite

Other eligible devices include OnePlus 13R, OnePlus Open, OnePlus 12, OnePlus 12R, OnePlus Pad 3, and Pad 2, all of which are expected to receive the update before the end of 2025.

How to install OxygenOS 16

Users can install OxygenOS 16 by navigating to Settings → Software Update → Download and Install.
Before upgrading, OnePlus advises ensuring the device has at least 30% battery and sufficient storage space.

The update, weighing approximately 3.5 GB, will be rolled out over the air (OTA) in batches, so some users may receive it slightly later depending on their region.

A smarter, smoother OnePlus experience

With OxygenOS 16, OnePlus continues to refine its user experience by blending AI intelligence, design sophistication, and performance optimisation. The focus on fluidity, personalisation, and multitasking underscores the company’s ongoing effort to balance speed with aesthetics — a hallmark of its software design.