OnePlus 2.0: OxygenOS  and ColorOS will merge to form a unified OS next year

OnePlus’ OxygenOS is going away – and so is Oppo’s ColorOS. The code bases for the two will be joined together to create a unified operating system (which will probably have a catchy name, but that hasn’t been announced yet).

This was revealed by Pete Lau who now serves as the Chief Product officer for Oppo and oversees the product strategies for both OnePlus and Oppo. The blog post also contains interesting details about OnePlus’ product line-up going forward, but we’ll get to that in a moment.

The so-called “unified” OS will be customized for OnePlus devices to maintain its status as clean and lightweight software, which is important for fans of the brand. Gary Chen, the Head of OxygenOS, was put in charge of the unified OS. Also, OnePlus bootloaders will remain unlockable for those who want to explore custom firmware.

“I would like to tell you confidently that after overseeing the product development of both systems for a year, I believe that the unified operating system will keep the DNA of OxygenOS that many of you love so much, while also giving you an upgraded experience overall,” writes Lau.

It sounds like most of the changes will be internal. Work on the unification has already started with OxygenOS 12 and ColorOS 12. Lau says that he has already seen the benefits of combining the development teams as the joint effort has led to faster and higher quality software builds.

As far as OnePlus devices are concerned, the unified OS will launch with the 2022 flagship series. Select devices from the current lineup will receive the new OS as part of the next major Android update next year, which ones and when will be announced at a later date (presumably those that are on track to receive Android 13).

The new OS is part of what Lau calls “OnePlus 2.0” along with a revised product strategy. The brand’s flagships will continue to be available globally, that won’t change. However, OnePlus’ more affordable models will become more localized (this may have already started, the Nord N200 is available only in the US and Canada).

OnePlus will continue work on improving its cameras. The focus is on keeping the user experience smooth while developing better color science with partner Hasselblad along with developing new sensors, lenses and other technologies to improve camera performance.

OnePlus and Oppo merged their R&D departments back in January and back then the claim was that OxygenOS and ColorOS will remain separate and OxygenOS is here to stay since they target different audiences in different markets.

Source | Via