OnePlus has officially kicked off the OxygenOS 16 Open Beta Program for the OnePlus 13 in India. This marks the first public testing phase of OxygenOS 16, allowing users to experience upcoming features and improvements before the stable version rolls out globally.

If you’re eager to get early access to OxygenOS 16, this is your opportunity. However, since this is a beta build, users are advised to proceed with caution — as beta versions can be less stable than official public releases.

What’s New in OxygenOS 16 Beta

OxygenOS 16 focuses on refining user experience with smoother animations, improved system efficiency, and UI-level changes that align closely with Android 16’s design philosophy. While not all features are available in this initial release, OnePlus has confirmed that more functionality will be added in future beta updates.

Important Details About the Beta Program

• Region: Currently available only for India.
• Device: OnePlus 13.
• Build version required: CPH2649_15.0.0.860(EX01)
• Application period: October 9 – October 13, 2025
  Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.

How to Apply for OxygenOS 16 Open Beta

Follow these steps carefully to join the Open Beta Program for the OnePlus 13:

1. Go to Settings > About device.
2. Tap on Up to date.
3. Tap the menu icon (three dots) in the top-right corner.
4. Select Beta program.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to submit your application.

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive the OxygenOS 16 Open Beta over-the-air (OTA) update directly on your device.

Before You Update

Before installing the beta update, OnePlus recommends the following precautions:

• Back up all important data. While the update won’t normally wipe user data, it’s always safer to have a backup.
• Ensure your device has at least 30% battery and 4GB of free storage.
• Update all apps via Google Play Store to avoid app compatibility issues.
• After installation, the system may perform background optimizations, which can cause temporary heating or battery drain. Restarting your device after a few hours of use is recommended.

Note: Carrier-locked devices (like T-Mobile or Verizon variants) are not eligible for this beta build.

Rollback to Stable Version (If Needed)

If you face bugs or wish to return to the stable public release of OxygenOS, OnePlus offers a rollback option.
Please note that this process will erase all data from your device.

Steps to Roll Back:

1. Download the official rollback package for the OnePlus 13 (Download Rollback Package).
2. Move the file to your device’s internal storage.
3. Go to Settings → About device → Version, then tap Build number 7 times to enable Developer Mode.
4. Return to About device → Up to date, tap the menu icon, and select Local install.
5. Choose the rollback package file and confirm the process.
6. Once the update completes, your phone will reboot into the stable OxygenOS build.

How to Share Feedback

As part of the Open Beta community, users are encouraged to report any bugs or suggestions. You can share feedback in two ways:

1. Dialer Method: Open the Google Dialer, enter *#800#, and follow the on-screen feedback menu.
2. In-App Method: Go to Settings → Help & feedback to submit issues directly.

Your feedback helps OnePlus refine OxygenOS 16 before its official release.

Also Read: OxygenOS 16 Open Beta Program Now Live in India – Experience the Future of OnePlus Software Early

Final Thoughts

The OxygenOS 16 Open Beta for OnePlus 13 marks a major step in OnePlus’s next software evolution. While the build may not yet be fully stable, it provides a valuable sneak peek into the brand’s upcoming interface and feature direction. If you’re a OnePlus enthusiast eager to try out the newest version before anyone else — this is your chance.

OnePlus has released the September update for the OnePlus 13, 13R, and 13S devices. The new software version, OxygenOS 15.0.0.860, comes with improvements, a few new features, and the latest September 2025 security patch.

One major highlight is the improved battery life. Many users are reporting over 8 hours of screen-on time with regular use, and around 4.5 hours while gaming, even with Always-On Display enabled. This is a big improvement compared to earlier builds.

The update also introduces a new “Map Album” feature in the Photos app. This lets users see all their pictures on a map, grouped by location. In addition, OnePlus has added new options to change privacy passwords more easily in Private Safe, and updated the layout of the IR remote control app for better usability.

However, the update is not without issues. Users have reported a brightness bug, where the screen randomly increases or decreases brightness when set at 100%. Another problem appears in the new Map Album, where dark mode only applies to the top half of the screen, while the bottom stays white.

Some smaller changes, such as “improved animations” for live alerts and notifications, don’t seem to show any visible difference from before.

The update size is around 636 MB. Users can download it by joining the Beta Program in the system update settings if it hasn’t arrived automatically.

While the improved battery backup is a big plus, the presence of new bugs has left many users asking for fixes in future updates.

OnePlus recently rolled out the August 2025 security patch for several smartphones, including the newly launched OnePlus Nord 5. However, the company once again failed to provide clear details about the changes made in this update.

Many users have noticed that OnePlus often pushes features silently, without mentioning them in the official changelogs. For example, the Nord 5 changelog only listed “camera improvements” and “system optimizations,” while in reality, the update size was over 800MB and included several hidden features.

Hidden Features in the August Update

Despite OnePlus not listing them officially, here are some of the new additions spotted after the update:

• AI Perfect Shot in Gallery: A new AI editing tool that can intelligently recognize faces and fix closed eyes. It scans photos on the device to find the best facial expressions and automatically replaces them.
• Beacon Link with Chat Support: Previously limited to voice calls via Bluetooth (without mobile data or Wi-Fi), Beacon Link now allows sending text messages, photos, and even voice notes. This can be helpful in emergencies when there is no network coverage.
• Notification Improvements:
  • In landscape mode, notifications now appear at the top of the screen instead of the bottom.
  • New gestures let users swipe down or tap on a notification to open it in a floating window. The system also remembers the last position of the floating app.
• Split View Enhancements: Split-screen mode in landscape now has flexible resizing, allowing apps to be adjusted freely without fixed ratios.
• Private Safe Updates:
  • Files can now be shared directly from the private safe without unlocking them.
  • A new “time modified” option has been added.
  • Users can now change the cover photo of categories and add more file types, including ZIP files.

User Concerns

While these hidden features are useful, many OnePlus users are frustrated by the company’s approach. Some devices even auto-installed the update overnight, despite users disabling automatic updates.

Users argue that OnePlus should stop silent updates and start properly informing customers about new features in official changelogs. Without transparency, many users remain unaware of the useful tools added to their phones.