OnePlus unveiled its OxygenOS 15 update on Thursday. The new operating system (OS) update for eligible OnePlus smartphones will introduce a redesigned user interface, artificial intelligence (AI) features and faster processing. Based on Android 15, which was recently released by Google, the update also includes new security features such as Google Play Protect threat detection and anti-theft. Additionally, OxygenOS 15 will install the Gemini AI assistant as the default virtual assistant on compatible devices.
OxygenOS 15 performance improvements
The company claims that OxygenOS 15 has been developed with a focus on high performance, improved design and AI capabilities. To reduce processing time, OnePlus says it has improved animation interaction using its own parallel processing technology.
According to OnePlus, the new update adds a full “break animation” that is said to make switching between apps faster. The company claims that it eliminates lag time even during heavy usage and maintains stable performance.
Another way the company is speeding up the OS is by removing redundant features and increasing storage space. OnePlus claims that OxygenOS 15 will take up 20 percent less storage space on the OnePlus 12 compared to OxygenOS 14.
OxygenOS 15 will introduce new AI features
OnePlus also introduced several new AI features with the OS update. For the camera, the company has added AI Detail Boost, a feature that turns low-resolution or cropped images into 4K photos. This feature is integrated into the gallery app and automatically detects pixelated images.
Similarly, the company’s AI Unblur feature improves image blur and makes photos sharper. Additionally, AI Reflection Eraser will help users remove reflections from images captured through glass.
While these features are based on the company’s own AI models, OnePlus is also adding a few Gemini-based features. The first of these is Circle to Search, which will now be available for compatible smartphones with the OxygenOS 15 update.
The visual search feature can be activated by long pressing the navigation bar or the Home button. Another is intelligent search, which will allow users to search on the device by typing a query in natural language. Users can ask about a file, setting, or note, and the AI will return relevant results.
In addition, Gemini will also provide a new Pass Scan feature that is integrated into the camera app. It can be used to quickly scan boarding passes. AI Notes also debuts with OxygenOS 15. Similar to AI Notes on Samsung Galaxy devices, the tool can format, expand (or shorten) content written in the Notes app. AI Notes can also automatically transcribe voice notes into text.
Additionally, AI Reply has been added to the AI Toolbox and can be accessed from the smart sidebar. It can understand conversations in messaging apps and can automatically generate relevant responses that users can copy and paste into the app.
Google’s Gemini AI assistant will become the default virtual assistant with the new OS update. Users can also access the newly released Gemini Live feature, which offers a real-time two-way voice conversation with the Gemini chatbot.
OnePlus introduces the new OxygenOS 15 interface
In terms of design improvements, OxygenOS 15 introduces new loading animations, icons, more shelf card options, and new fingerprint unlock style options. It also adds shimmering effects and Gaussian blur in various system scenarios to offer a new visual experience. Added some minor updates to settings, notification panel, and control center.
New design updates can also be seen when interacting with the OS. The new OnePlus OneTake feature now improves the phone unlock animation. File sharing between OnePlus devices and iPhones is also improved with the new Share to iPhone feature.
Security features on OxygenOS 15
OxygenOS 15 will benefit from Android 15’s Google Play Protect threat detection feature, which analyzes app behavior to detect potential malware and scams. Similarly, new anti-theft mechanisms have been added to protect user data if the device is stolen.
This feature can detect movements related to theft, such as someone grabbing a smartphone and running away, and automatically locks the device to protect data from a thief. Apart from that, a remote lock feature has also been added where the user can remotely lock the device with just their phone number. An offline lock has also been added, which activates automatically if the phone remains disconnected from the Internet for a long period of time.
Finally, OxygenOS 15 also implements Android 15’s biometric verification system for sensitive actions such as disabling anti-theft features or FindMyDevice, which the company says adds another layer of protection for users.
OxygenOS 15 Update: Eligible Devices (Pending)
OxygenOS 15 will first roll out to the OnePlus 12 5G starting October 30. The company has yet to release an official list of eligible devices, but the following phones are currently expected to receive the update based on their support period.
Owners of OnePlus Open, OnePlus 12R, OnePlus 11, OnePlus 11R, OnePlus 10 Pro, OnePlus 10R and OnePlus 10T can expect to update to OxygenOS 15. Other devices such as OnePlus Nord 4, Nord 3, Nord CE 4, Nord CE4 Lite, Nord CE3 Lite, Nord CE3, OnePlus Pad and OnePlus Pad 2 are also likely to be updated to OxygenOS 15.