OxygenOS 12: everything you need to know about the Android 12 version of OnePlus

Software is a big part of why OnePlus devices are considered the best Android phones. OnePlus has made OxygenOS one of the best software interfaces on the market, offering a clean layout with plenty of customization possibilities and quick updates.

There is a new dimension to this narrative in 2021. OnePlus is now using ColorOS as the basis of OxygenOS in an effort to streamline resources between the two entities, which means changes are underway. We got a preview of the integration with OxygenOS 11.3 on the Nord 2, but we’ll have to wait for OxygenOS 12 to get a full picture of what this merger will have to offer.

OxygenOS 12 debuts with OnePlus 9 RT, a new variant of the numbered OnePlus 9 series that is expected to debut in the coming months. Although there is little official information about OxygenOS 12, I managed to get my hands on an internal version and can offer some information on the user interface and new features.

According to my sources, OnePlus aims to launch the closed beta of OxygenOS 12 by the end of August. The closed beta has just over 200 members, and OnePlus typically recruits its “hardcore” fans to participate in the beta and provide feedback on new additions. This feedback is sent directly to the product team and taken into account when making the final adjustments to the interface.

Based on feedback and build stability, the closed beta typically takes two to three weeks, and the changes will be incorporated into a new release that will be released to the public. This means that we should be able to see the public beta of OxygenOS 12 roll out just before October; I estimate an official announcement in a little over five weeks.

For context, the public beta of OxygenOS 11 was available at the end of August, but that timeline was pushed back this year due to the large number of issues in Android 12. Several bugs and stability issues plagued Pixels running the latest beta. 4, so it’s safe to assume that device makers take a little longer than usual to clear bugs.

Here are the novelties of OxygenOS 12

OxygenOS 12 will get new features that have been transferred from ColorOS. The first is a floating windows mode that allows you to resize windows anywhere on the screen, which makes multitasking easier. Another cool addition is a theme store that lets you change the look of the interface.

The pillars of OxygenOS, such as accent color customization and off-screen gestures, will be intact, and ColorOS additions are expected to make the user interface much more customizable. The settings page is undergoing a category overhaul that makes it easier to find connectivity options, and some of these changes are in effect in OxygenOS 11.3. Switching to ColorOS means you’ll need to set up a 6-digit passcode (instead of the usual 4-digit PIN) before you can set up biometric authentication.

When it comes to security, ColorOS Private Safe mode is coming to OxygenOS and you can hide sensitive documents and photos behind a password. As for the aesthetics itself, OxygenOS 12 won’t use Google’s new Material You design, but will keep the same OxygenOS 11 design language with a few tweaks around the notification pane and shadow.

While the underlying base has been overhauled, the OnePlus Launcher and other OnePlus features like Work-Life Balance, Zen Mode, Scout, and Shelf will be intact, so users switching from OxygenOS 11 should feel like at home.

OxygenOS 12 happens on these phones

We’ll have to wait for OnePlus to officially confirm which devices will receive the OxygenOS 12 update, but if history is any indication, the OnePlus 7 series and above is expected to upgrade to Android 12. OnePlus is rolling out the Android 11 based OxygenOS 11 is built into the OnePlus 6 and 6T, so when it comes to OxygenOS 12, it’s safe to assume that all 2019 and higher devices will be updated.

Of course, this does not include the Nord N series of devices; the N10 and N100 will only get one update to Android 11, so they will be missing. Here is the provisional list of OnePlus phones that will be updated to OxygenOS 12:

• OnePlus 7
• OnePlus 7 Pro / 7 Pro 5G
• OnePlus 7T
• OnePlus 7T Pro / 7T Pro McLaren
• OnePlus 7T
• Oneplus 8
• OnePlus 8 Pro
• OnePlus 8T
• Oneplus 9
• OnePlus 9 Pro
• OnePlus 9R
• OnePlus North
• OnePlus North CE
• OnePlus Nord 2
• OnePlus Nord N200