OnePlus has unveiled its big new operating system update in the form of OxygenOS 16, based on Android 16.
Set to make its debut on the upcoming OnePlus 15, the latest spin on the Android operating system includes some interesting new features not seen before, including support for the Apple Watch, a wearable that famously only works with iPhones.
Here’s everything you need to know about OxygenOS 16.
OxygenOS 16 brings Apple Watch compatibility to Android
The Apple Watch is a fantastic wearable, but the simple fact of the matter is you’ll need an iPhone to connect to it. You’re free to try and connect to it via Bluetooth on an Android, but you won’t get much out of it; no notifications, no smartphone connectivity, no ability to export your health and fitness data – you get it.
And that’s why OnePlus’ announcement of OxygenOS 16 is so interesting, because it claims to play nicely with the Apple Watch.
Per the company, OxygenOS 16 lets you pair with an Apple Watch, enabling you to receive Android notifications, use Find My, and access remote camera functionality – but there’s a caveat. You’ll still need an iPhone for setup purposes.
You see, the Apple Watch setup process is so entwined with Apple’s ecosystem that it simply won’t work without an iPhone. You’ll need an iPhone for the initial setup, and to download a special OnePlus companion app on the Watch that essentially acts as a bridge between Apple’s hardware and your OnePlus-branded smartphone.
So while it does play well with the Apple Watch, you’ll still need an iPhone nearby for setup, app installation and the like.
AI here, there and everywhere
Of course, Apple Watch support isn’t the only new feature coming as part of OxygenOS 16. We already saw OnePlus take its first steps into the world of AI with OxygenOS 15, and it looks like it’s doubling down with the latest update.
First and foremost, the AI-powered Mind Space introduced in July is getting a Gemini-friendly upgrade. This upgrade allows Google’s virtual assistant to access data and content stored in your Mind Space to, say, help you plan a trip based on content you’ve saved.
There are also updates to other existing AI features; AI Writer can now create mind maps and charts based on chunks of text you select, with the results able to be saved to apps like Google Sheets or exported as a PDF, as well as write its own captions for social media based on the image you’re sharing.
AI Scan is a new addition that’ll be handy for students, as it can detect and capture presentation slides, even from tilted angles, while removing shadows and other lines in the process.
What’s more exciting is the introduction of AI PlayLab, an app that includes experimental AI features. At launch, it’ll include YumSee, which translates menus and creates visual representations with food photos sourced from online, along with Party Up, which transforms static images into short animated clips.
Fresher and more customisable
Hot on the heels of Apple’s Liquid Glass UI, released as part of iOS 26, OxygenOS 16 offers its own spin on the style with new Gaussian blur styling present throughout, from the lock screen icons to elements within the OnePlus-branded apps like Clock, Compass and Calculator.
OxygenOS has always been one of the more customisable UIs on the Android scene, and it’s not changing with the latest upgrade. This time, support is included for scalable home screen icons and folders, allowing you to adjust the size of app icons and include app-specific shortcuts, while Shelf gets a smattering of new widgets.
The lock screen is set for a similar upgrade, with new mini widgets for at-a-glance information and customizable elements now available. There’s also support for Motion Photos, bringing more motion to the lock screen experience, along with new depth effect features that let certain elements hide behind the subject of your photo.
Again, this is very iOS-inspired, but it’s great to see nonetheless. Apple does have one of the better lock screen customisation systems around, after all.
Set for launch with the OnePlus 15
OnePlus has confirmed that the software is set to launch with the OnePlus 15, which made its debut today in China and is expected to hit the global market in the coming months – but dedicated OnePlus fans can sign up to the OxygenOS 16 Open Beta from 17 October, which will provide access to the update ahead of release.
