OnePlus and Oppo have historically not been too explicit about their common parentage in the tech conglomerate BBK Electronics. But now after years of calm sharing Resources, companies formally integrate their research and development efforts.

According to a report by Chinese publication DoNews, the process began in December and was only completed recently. The post also elaborates on the relationship, saying it will be similar to the relationship between Xiaomi and Redmi – although software development will apparently always be independent.

A OnePlus spokesperson confirmed the development with the following statement:

To better maximize resources and position OnePlus for growth, we are further integrating some R&D capabilities within OPLUS, our long-term investor. OnePlus will continue to operate independently and work to provide the best possible user experience for existing and future OnePlus users.

If you didn’t know, OPLUS is an investor group that oversees Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme. Not much is known about this, but OnePlus CEO Pete Lau, who also happens to be the senior vice president at OPLUS and oversees brand synergy and product planning at Oppo and OnePlus, claims that it has nothing to do with BBK.

Given that OnePlus no longer focuses on the niche it previously occupied and seeks to target the masses with its Nord series, integrating hardware R&D with Oppo seems logical. The latter already produces a variety of smartphones that cater to a wide range of markets – from budget to high-end flagships.

But for what it’s worth, this new development is unlikely to result in any noticeable drastic changes. Companies have a history of sharing development, and this has been seen time and time again: for example, the color-changing electrochromic glass we saw on OnePlus’s Concept One and the 8T concept phone is now mass produced in the world. Oppo. Reno 5 Pro Plus.