OxygenOS 15, OnePlus’ latest iteration of its custom Android skin, is creating a buzz due to its significant shift towards adopting iOS-like features. This highly anticipated update is expected to debut later in 2024 and will bring a new set of functionalities that closely resemble those found on Apple’s iOS, sparking discussions about the convergence of Android and iOS design philosophies. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the upcoming iOS-inspired changes in OxygenOS 15.
1. Control Center Redesign
One of the most noticeable changes in OxygenOS 15 is the Control Center redesign, which borrows heavily from iOS. The current unified notification and quick settings shade in OxygenOS will be split into two distinct sections, mimicking iOS’ setup. Swiping down from the top-right corner will reveal the Control Center, while swiping from the left will display the Notification Shade. This separation is expected to reduce UI clutter and give users a cleaner experience, much like Apple’s approach in iOS.
Users will also have the option to rearrange Control Center icons, providing further customization flexibility. This is similar to how iOS allows users to adjust their Control Center tiles, giving more control over which functions are easily accessible.
2. Dynamic Island-Inspired Notifications
Another exciting feature is the Dynamic Island-style notifications. Much like Apple’s Dynamic Island feature that integrates notifications into the top of the screen around the front-facing camera, OxygenOS 15 will introduce a similar system. Instead of notifications being relegated to a corner, they will now center around the punch-hole camera on OnePlus devices, creating a more interactive and dynamic user experience. This feature aims to provide a more engaging way of displaying notifications.
3. iOS-Like Volume Slider and Live Photos
OxygenOS 15 is also introducing a new volume slider, which shrinks to a more compact form when pressed, similar to iOS’ implementation. This subtle design change will make adjusting the volume feel more intuitive and less intrusive on the screen, following iOS’s lead in improving the user experience.
Additionally, OnePlus is borrowing from Apple’s popular Live Photos feature, where every photo taken also captures a short video clip. In OxygenOS 15, this feature will allow users to relive moments through these short video snippets tied to their photos. This aligns closely with Apple’s vision of dynamic photography and enhances OnePlus’ camera functionality.
4. Enhanced Lock Screen Customization
For the first time, OxygenOS users will enjoy extensive lock screen customization options, again taking inspiration from iOS. Users will be able to customize the lock screen clock by adjusting its size, position, and color. OxygenOS 15 will also introduce a depth effect for the lock screen, allowing for a more dynamic, layered appearance, along with several pre-made lock screen presets.
This change is particularly appealing as iOS has been known for its strong lock screen personalization, and OnePlus aims to offer its users a similar level of control.
5. “Never Settle” Easter Egg and Customization Options
For long-time OnePlus fans, OxygenOS 15 brings back the iconic “Never Settle” Easter egg, which can be accessed by typing “1+” in the calculator and pressing equals. This nostalgic touch is sure to resonate with fans of OnePlus’ earlier software designs.
Moreover, the upcoming update will offer additional customization options for the lock screen and Control Center icons, giving users more control over their device’s aesthetics. This approach, while borrowing elements from iOS, continues OnePlus’ legacy of allowing users to tweak and personalize their devices.
Final Thoughts
While OxygenOS 15 is clearly influenced by iOS, it also seeks to enhance the user experience by blending iOS-like features with Android’s flexibility. The new Control Center, Dynamic Island-style notifications, Live Photos, and lock screen customizations are just a few of the changes expected to make OnePlus devices more intuitive and feature-rich.
As the Android and iOS ecosystems continue to influence one another, OxygenOS 15 stands as a perfect example of how software design can evolve by adopting the best features from its competitors. With its beta release expected soon and a full release scheduled by the end of the year, this update could redefine the way OnePlus users interact with their smartphones.
Whether you’re excited about the iOS-like changes or skeptical of the convergence, OxygenOS 15 promises to deliver a polished, refined experience that caters to a broad range of users.
