OnePlus to transition to ColorOS and outlines Android 18 update plans

OnePlus is implementing a major shift in its software strategy, transitioning from its proprietary OxygenOS interface to a unified ColorOS platform starting with Android 17. While OxygenOS 16, based on Android 16, was released in North America in December 2025, the company plans to phase out independent OxygenOS development in favor of ColorOS.

Regarding long-term support, OnePlus aims to extend Android 18 compatibility—expected in mid-2027—to a wide range of devices released from 2024 onwards. Planned recipients include the OnePlus 12, the 13-series, and various Nord models such as the Nord 4, 5, and 6, as well as the Nord CE 5 and CE 6. The OnePlus 12R is noted as an exception, with support expected to end with Android 17.

The company is also differentiating its update policies by product tier. Flagship models are slated to receive four major Android updates and five to six years of security patches. In contrast, Nord series models typically receive one year of operating system updates and two to three years of security patches.