OxygenOS 16 Launching on October 16: Brings Gemini AI, New Design, and Zero-Lag Multitasking

OnePlus is launching OxygenOS 16 on October 16th, which may debut on the OnePlus 15. The company has begun teasing the design of its new operating system. Now, a dedicated landing page for the Android 16-based OxygenOS 16 shows us what to expect from this update. It suggests that OnePlus' upcoming software will be equipped with multitasking features and new connectivity. Additionally, the tech firm shared a glimpse of the redesigned Gallery, Notes, and Weather apps. With the help of its AI suite, the OxygenOS 16 update will also include support for Google's Gemini models.

A microsite created for the launch of OxygenOS 16 claims that the new Android 16-based update will deliver a "zero-lag" multitasking experience. The company says users will be able to scroll through Instagram Reels for up to three hours with "zero slowdown." OnePlus said it will also support one hour of gaming multitasking, allowing users to switch between 120Hz Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and phone calls while continuing to record the screen.

According to OnePlus, OxygenOS 16 will also enable "zero-lag" app switching on the OnePlus Pad 3. Users will be able to access up to five apps simultaneously in multi-window and pop-up window layouts. Users will also be able to resize the floating window by holding the bottom left corner of the app. OnePlus also demonstrated that with OxygenOS 16, users will be able to navigate from one app to another simply by swiping.

The upcoming Android 16-based OxygenOS 16 will also bring new connectivity features. It will allow users to mirror their phone screens on macOS or Windows PCs and drag and drop files. The new update will also introduce remote working. With the OxygenOS 16 update, OnePlus users will be able to sync their devices with Apple Watch, iPhone, OnePlus tablets, and OnePlus phones.

In addition, the OxygenOS 16 update will introduce a new home screen, app tray, and widget design. App icons now appear circular, while widgets are displayed in a squircle design with a mix of squares and circles. OnePlus's native Photo app has also been redesigned, incorporating toggles similar to Apple's LiquidGlass. Additionally, the Notes and Weather apps have also received changes in terms of animations and user interface.

OnePlus recently announced that it will launch OxygenOS 16 in India on October 16th. This new firmware update will bring OnePlus AI to the company's handsets, including AI-powered tools. The upcoming OnePlus 15 is expected to run on OxygenOS 16 out-of-the-box, while older OnePlus phones will receive the update via OTA depending on their eligibility. The company has already revealed that OxygenOS 16 will integrate Google's Gemini AI models, which will bring new on-device AI tools.