If you bought a OnePlus phone because it felt fast and clean to use, there’s news you should know: OnePlus may be about to stop making that software.
According to tech reports, OnePlus is phasing out OxygenOS (the software that runs OnePlus phones) and replacing it with ColorOS (the software on Oppo phones) on all future models. If true, OnePlus phones sold in Ghana in the coming years will run ColorOS instead of OxygenOS.
What’s OxygenOS, and why did people care?
OxygenOS was what made OnePlus phones special. It’s a version of Android (Google’s phone software) that OnePlus customized to be faster, simpler, and less cluttered than what you get on most other Android phones.
Think of it like this: Android is the engine, but OxygenOS was OnePlus’s steering wheel, dashboard, and controls. Many phone enthusiasts loved it precisely because it didn’t try to do too much.
ColorOS, by contrast, is heavier and more feature-packed. If you’ve ever used an Oppo phone, you’ve seen ColorOS in action.
Why is OnePlus ditching OxygenOS?
OnePlus, Oppo, and Realme all operate under the same Chinese conglomerate called BBK Electronics. Until now, they’ve each had their own software to keep themselves separate in the market.
But maintaining three different versions of Android software is expensive. So Oppo is consolidating: everyone moves to ColorOS. OnePlus already retired its China-specific software (HydrogenOS) years ago in favor of ColorOS, though global models continued to ship with OxygenOS.
The consolidation between OnePlus and Oppo started quietly in 2021 with a software merger announcement. Oppo has been absorbing OnePlus operationally, and this latest move looks like the final step.
What does this mean for you?
If you own a OnePlus phone now: Your phone should keep OxygenOS. This change only affects new models going forward.
If you’re thinking of buying a OnePlus: Future OnePlus phones will likely ship with ColorOS. That’s not necessarily bad (ColorOS is a functional Android skin), but it’s different from what made OnePlus fans loyal to the brand.
In Ghana specifically: OnePlus has a smaller footprint than Samsung or Infinix, but the brand has fans here. If you liked OnePlus because of OxygenOS’s speed and simplicity, you’ll want to know that future models won’t have that same appeal.
Is this official yet?
Not officially. OnePlus has not made a public announcement. The reports come from tech outlets citing sources familiar with the plans. OnePlus could still surprise everyone and keep OxygenOS alive, but the signs point toward consolidation.
What to do now: If OxygenOS is important to you, hold onto your current OnePlus phone — it’s likely the last generation to ship with it. Before buying a new OnePlus, check whether it comes with OxygenOS or ColorOS. And if you haven’t heard of either, don’t stress: ColorOS works fine. This matters most to people who care deeply about how their phone *feels* to use day-to-day.
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