OnePlus ColorOS 17: Why OxygenOS Is Being Retired, Eligible Devices, Rollout and What Changes
OnePlus users are bracing themselves for an important transition to a new software experience over the next few years
On July 16, 2026, OnePlus announced that it would stop its OxygenOS Android software in favor of ColorOS — the Oppo-developed alternative that the parent company has been using across its smartphones and other devices.
The news essentially signals the end of the road for OxygenOS.
The good news is that there appears to be an opt-in option for existing OnePlus users to stick with their familiar software
But which OnePlus phones will see the ColorOS 17 transition, when will it happen, and what will actually change? We've got all the details.
OnePlus ColorOS 17: Why OxygenOS Is Being Retired
ColorOS is the Oppo-developed software that has been powering the company's smartphones, tablets and other devices for years
While OxygenOS and ColorOS have been visually distinct for much of their existence, the two companies have been sharing substantial amounts of code since OnePlus and Oppo began their joint operations.
ColorOS 17, however, appears to be a particularly significant update.
Essentially, OnePlus will be switching from its custom Android software to the Oppo alternative.
Instead of having two similar but ultimately different pieces of software, OnePlus devices will be using the ColorOS 17 experience going forward.
OnePlus has cited several reasons for the transition, including:
• Faster development and reduced engineering requirements
• Enhanced software quality
• Unified platform for both companies' devices
• Faster Android updates for OnePlus phones
For Oppo, the consolidation makes sense in that it reduces the overall amount of code that needs to be maintained by engineers.
For longtime OnePlus users, however, the change is a particularly difficult one to swallow: For over a decade, OxygenOS was a key part of the company's branding and marketing.
OnePlus ColorOS 17: What's Confirmed?
On July 16, 2026, OnePlus made the surprise announcement on its community forum
Several key facts were revealed in the process:
The transition is voluntary
OnePlus has acknowledged that not all eligible users want to switch from OxygenOS to ColorOS.
As such, ColorOS 17 will be distributed as an optional update once it reaches eligible devices.
In other words, there is no immediate requirement for OnePlus users to switch. Those who prefer the OxygenOS experience can continue to use it.
The rollout date hasn't been confirmed yet
At the time of writing, OnePlus has not confirmed an official ColorOS 17 rollout window.
Industry sources have speculated that an Open Beta might arrive some time in the near future, but this is by no means an official statement.
Devices list hasn't been finalized
While OnePlus has confirmed the intent to transition, there is currently no official compatibility list.
For now, any lists that you see should be treated as eligibility possibilities — not confirmed requirements.
OnePlus ColorOS 17 Eligible Devices: Expected List
Based on OnePlus's historical practices, as well as information from industry leakers such as Yogesh Brar, we've compiled a list of expected OnePlus ColorOS 17 devices:
Device CategoryExpected Eligible Devices
FoldableOnePlus Open
Flagship phonesOnePlus 11, OnePlus 12, OnePlus 12R, OnePlus 13, OnePlus 13R, OnePlus 13s, OnePlus 15, OnePlus 15R
Nord seriesSelected newer Nord models
N seriesOnePlus N6 and potentially OnePlus N6x
TabletsMultiple recent OnePlus Pad models
The older devices are unlikely to see the transition, as they have already reached the end of their software update support.
OnePlus 11R, as well as the OnePlus 10, 9, 8 and 7 series, will most likely not see the ColorOS 17 transition.
With that said, until OnePlus releases an official list, none of the above should be treated as a confirmed fact.
Which OnePlus Phones Will See the ColorOS 17 Transition First?
OnePlus 15 and OnePlus 15R are currently expected to see the update first.
This is to be expected, as flagship devices typically get updates before the older models do.
That said, the actual rollout window is still unclear at this point.
Is the ColorOS 17 Eligible Device List Official?
No — and that's the main takeaway as you're trying to determine if your OnePlus phone will see the transition.
While OnePlus has officially confirmed the intent to phase out OxygenOS, the company has not yet released an official device list.
As such, any lists that you see online should be treated as unofficial predictions. The reality is that OnePlus will almost certainly finalize the eligibility requirements on its own schedule — most likely ahead of the actual ColorOS 17 launch.
What Will Change With the ColorOS 17 Software?
At the most basic level, the transition will mean that OnePlus users will see a different software experience on their devices.
While OxygenOS and ColorOS have been using the same core code, the two had different visual languages.
As such, OnePlus users switching to ColorOS can expect to see changes to:
• User interface: Icons, menus, quick settings, animations and other fundamental aspects of the software could potentially change.
• Default apps: While the applications themselves likely won't be changed, their appearance and functionality could be affected.
• Customization: ColorOS 17 could potentially offer different levels and types of personalization than the OxygenOS experience.
For longtime OnePlus users who have been using OxygenOS for years, the transition will most likely be quite noticeable.
AI Features
Beyond the basic UI and application changes, ColorOS 17 is also expected to bring new AI features.
These will most likely be enhanced by the overall Android 17 update, as well as Google's AI capabilities.
That said, the exact list of AI features will vary from device to device — and from region to region.
OxygenOS-Specific Features
Another important consideration for OnePlus users is whether the transition will affect OxygenOS-specific features.
At this point, it's unclear what exactly OnePlus will decide to do with the features that were previously exclusive to OxygenOS.
It is quite possible that the transition to ColorOS will result in some features being removed.
With that said, it's also quite possible that most OxygenOS features will have ColorOS equivalents.
Software Updates
Another important possibility is that the transition will make future Android updates easier.
OnePlus has stated that the transition is intended to help unify the development process, which could very well lead to faster and more consistent software updates in the future.
Do OnePlus Users Have to Switch to ColorOS?
Based on the information from OnePlus's official statement, the transition appears to be voluntary.
In other words, OnePlus users will not be forced to switch to ColorOS — at least, not immediately.
That said, as mentioned above, it is possible that a rollback option will be available in some capacity.
Therefore, if you are a particularly heavy user of OxygenOS, it might be a good idea to confirm the details of the transition before accepting the update.
What About OnePlus Phones in India?
In many ways, this is a question about the OnePlus ColorOS 17 rollout in India.
OnePlus has stated that it intends to continue supporting the Indian market, even as it changes its business strategy in other regions.
As such, the company will likely release ColorOS 17 in India as well — with some variations in features and update schedule.
That said, Indian OnePlus users should follow local news and announcements, rather than speculating about the global OnePlus roadmap.
Frequently Asked Questions About OnePlus ColorOS 17
Will my OnePlus phone get ColorOS 17?
It potentially could, but it will depend on your specific device.
Newer flagship OnePlus phones, the OnePlus Open, as well as selected Nord, N and OnePlus Pad devices are all expected to see the transition. At the same time, the OnePlus 11R, as well as the OnePlus 10, 9, 8 and 7 series, are unlikely to receive the update.
Is the ColorOS 17 eligible-device list official?
No — and that's the main takeaway as you are trying to determine if your specific OnePlus phone will see the transition. Essentially, OnePlus has not yet released an official compatibility list, and any lists that you see online should be treated as unofficial predictions. The reality is that OnePlus will certainly finalize the eligibility requirements on its own schedule — most likely ahead of the actual ColorOS 17 launch.
Do I have to switch from OxygenOS to ColorOS?
The transition is expected to be voluntary for all OnePlus users.
As such, if you are not planning to switch to ColorOS, you should be able to continue using OxygenOS on your OnePlus device.
When will ColorOS 17 arrive on OnePlus phones?
OnePlus has not officially announced a final rollout window for the transition. That said, some speculate that OnePlus will potentially begin the ColorOS 17 rollout some time in the near future. Again, keep in mind that this is just a possibility — not an official confirmation from OnePlus.
Why is OnePlus replacing OxygenOS?
The main reason is that it will allow the company to consolidate its efforts. Both Oppo and OnePlus have been using similar software for years, and the transition to a single software experience will help both companies streamline their operations.
Will ColorOS 17 look like OxygenOS?
Not really — and that's the main concern for many OnePlus users who have been using OxygenOS for years. The two software experiences share substantial amounts of code, but they are ultimately visually different. As such, you should expect to see at least some changes to the overall feel and appearance of your OnePlus software.
Which OnePlus phones are expected to receive ColorOS 17?
Flagship OnePlus devices such as the OnePlus 11, 12, 12R, 13, 13R, 13s, 15 and 15R are all expected to see the transition, as is the OnePlus Open. Selected Nord, N and OnePlus Pad devices are also expected to receive the update. At this point, however, this is just a prediction — and not an officially confirmed one.
Final Thoughts
The transition from OxygenOS to ColorOS 17 is one of the most significant changes to OnePlus software in years.
For the past decade and a half, OxygenOS has been one of the flagship selling points for OnePlus phones — a unique take on the Android software that few competitors could match.
While the two software experiences have been quite similar at the code level, the public-facing differences were enough to differentiate OnePlus devices from the competition.
That is why the news about the end of OxygenOS has come as quite a shock to many users.
At the same time, it seems that OnePlus is willing to let users who prefer the OxygenOS experience stick with it for now.
The most important question, however, is whether you can continue using OxygenOS on your OnePlus device without any issues for the time being.
Beyond that, the primary concern for most OnePlus users is what exactly will change with the transition to ColorOS 17. As it stands, we don't know for sure — but we do know that the visual differences are expected to be quite significant.
That said, new software always brings new opportunities.
OnePlus users should keep in mind that the transition to ColorOS 17 could potentially bring faster and more consistent software updates in the future.
As OnePlus announces more information about the transition, it should become much clearer what the future holds for OxygenOS users.
Disclaimer :
The article is based on the OnePlus announcement and the industry information available at the time of writing. The ColorOS 17 eligible-device list and rollout schedule have not been officially confirmed by the company and may change. Make sure to check OnePlus's official announcements for the latest news.
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