OnePlus is giving fans a head start on Android 16 through the OxygenOS 16 Open Beta, though the rollout isn’t as “open” as the name suggests. The beta program is now live for six models, such as the OnePlus 13, 13S, 13R, 12, 12R, and the OnePlus Open, but only in India for now. Users who want in will need to fill out an application form and wait up to five days for approval before getting access to the test build. Once accepted, they can manually install the update, which brings several Android 16 features and a preview of OnePlus’s next big software overhaul.
The company says this early version is mainly for testing, meaning bugs and stability issues are to be expected. In its community post, OnePlus reminded users to back up their data before installing. The application window for beta participation runs until October 13 (via Notebookcheck).
The OxygenOS 16 beta hints at OnePlus leaning more heavily into AI features this year. The company has teased something called “Mind Space.” The full public release of OxygenOS 16, based on Android 16, is scheduled for October 16, which means the stable update is just around the corner for everyone else.
More devices coming soon as global expansion looms
This rollout puts OnePlus ahead of most Android phones, even though it is still a limited test. The company plans to expand to more regions later this year. While only six models are included in the first phase, more devices such as the OnePlus 11, 11R, Nord 3, Nord 4, CE4, and the OnePlus Pad lineup are set to get OxygenOS 16 when the stable version is released, as per a post on OnePlus Community.
While OnePlus fans can get Android 16 early, if you are not in India or do not have a supported device, you will need to wait a bit longer. Still, with new AI features and better performance promised, OxygenOS 16 looks like one of the company’s biggest updates so far.
