OnePlus
OnePlus Android 16 Beta 3: Big Visual Changes, New Control Center, and Clock Styles
OnePlus has started rolling out the Android 16 Beta 3 update for the OnePlus 13, and it brings some noticeable visual and functional improvements. This update is based on OxygenOS 15, and although it looks promising, it is still a developer preview, which means you might face bugs and glitches. So, it’s better not to install it on your main phone just yet.
After updating, the OnePlus 13 still shows OxygenOS 15.0.0.03 in the system information, but if you check the Android version, it now says Android 16. You can also find the Android 16 Easter egg by tapping the version number multiple times. However, the security patch is outdated, dated April 5, 2025.
One of the noticeable improvements is the stacked notification style, which works in both classic and split view modes. You can now choose how notifications appear on the lock screen, and the app icon is also shown beside the notification count. Unfortunately, watermarks are still visible across the entire user interface. These are especially noticeable when using dark mode, and they haven’t been fixed since the earlier beta builds.
The lock screen itself hasn’t seen any major updates. The design remains the same, with no new music player or customization options directly from the lock screen. But a major change has been made to the Control Center, especially when using split view. In this mode, tiles like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth now show text labels below the icons, making them easier to understand. You can also add up to four horizontal tiles instead of just two.
Another new feature in the Control Center is a plus (+) button in the top right corner. When you tap it, a popup appears that looks similar to iOS 18, allowing you to add tiles. These are organized into categories such as “Recommended”, “Connection & Sharing”, “Display & Brightness”, and more. This new layout is only available in split view mode and not in classic mode.
A small but exciting change is the addition of six new clock styles in the Shelf section. Earlier, there were only two options. For now, these clock styles can’t be added to the home screen, but future updates might bring that option.
Another useful feature is the AI Voice Call Recorder. It allows you to record internet-based voice calls on apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, and Google Meet. The recorder can also generate summaries of the conversations and even enable captions, which is helpful during meetings or important calls.
The app drawer also received a minor update. Previously, there were “All Apps” and “Manage” texts at the top. Now, these are removed, and a three-dot menu is available instead. From there, you can uninstall apps, add them to your home screen, or sort apps by name, usage, or install time.
In the Home Screen settings, the preview design now shows colorful icons instead of the old white and grey look, giving it a fresher appearance. Another subtle improvement is the introduction of predictive back gestures. These gestures now work in areas like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Security & Privacy settings, but not everywhere yet. For example, in Wallpaper & Style settings, the feature is still missing.
The volume slider has also been changed slightly. It is now thicker, making it easier to see and adjust. In the Battery Health section, there’s a new option to set a custom charging limit between 80% and 100%, unlike before when you could only limit it to 80%.
There’s also a new Special App Access UI. Previously, permissions were split across multiple tabs like “Allowed” and “Not Allowed.” Now, all the information is inside slidable tabs in a single view, which is easier to use.
One more thing to mention is the Gaming Dashboard, which appears to be directly taken from ColorOS. It has many useful features, but it’s likely that this version will not make it to the global builds or final updates of OnePlus’s software.
In summary, Android 16 Beta 3 on the OnePlus 13 brings many visual upgrades and a few useful features. The new Control Center, clock styles, AI voice recorder, and predictive gestures are great additions. However, since it’s still a developer version, it may not be fully stable. It’s best to wait for a more refined update unless you enjoy testing new features early.
OnePlus Turbo 6 has officially launched in China alongside the more affordable OnePlus Turbo 6V, bringing one of the largest smartphone batteries in its segment and powerful Snapdragon chipsets. The new Turbo series focuses on performance, endurance, and durability, making it a strong contender in the upper mid-range and flagship-killer categories.
OnePlus Turbo 6 and Turbo 6V: Price in China
The OnePlus Turbo 6 starts at CNY 2,099 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant, while higher configurations go up to CNY 2,899 for the 16GB + 512GB model. It is available in Light Chaser Silver, Lone Black, and Wild Green colour options.
The OnePlus Turbo 6V is positioned as a value-focused alternative, priced from CNY 1,699 for the 8GB + 256GB variant. The top-end 12GB + 512GB model costs CNY 2,199 and comes in Fearless Blue, Lone Black, and Nova White shades.
OnePlus Turbo 6 Specifications and Features
The OnePlus Turbo 6 runs on ColorOS 16 based on Android 16 and features a 6.78-inch flexible AMOLED display with a 165Hz adaptive refresh rate, full-HD+ resolution, and 1,800 nits peak brightness. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset paired with up to 16GB LPDDR4X RAM and 512GB UFS 3.1 storage.
Photography is handled by a 50-megapixel primary rear camera and a 2-megapixel monochrome sensor, while the front houses a 16-megapixel camera. A standout feature is its 9,000mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC fast charging. The phone also offers IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings for enhanced water and dust resistance.
OnePlus Turbo 6V Specifications
The OnePlus Turbo 6V shares the same display size, software, and durability ratings as the Turbo 6 but is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset. It includes up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, a 50-megapixel dual rear camera setup, and the same 9,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging.
Final Thoughts
With massive battery capacity, high refresh rate AMOLED displays, and strong Snapdragon chipsets, the OnePlus Turbo 6 series aims to redefine endurance-focused performance smartphones in 2026.
Credit: Oneplus
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OxygenOS 16.0.3 AI Writer is officially functional again on OnePlus smartphones, bringing relief to users who noticed the feature missing or disabled in earlier OxygenOS 16 builds. With the latest update, OnePlus has quietly restored AI Writer support by updating key system applications rather than enabling it through a visible toggle.
OxygenOS 16.0.3 AI Writer: What’s New in the Latest Update
OnePlus rolled out OxygenOS 16.0.3 as a stability-focused update, but users quickly discovered meaningful background changes. Several system apps received updates alongside the firmware, and these updates are responsible for reactivating AI Writer functionality across supported devices.
Earlier, AI Writer was temporarily blocked due to internal restrictions, leaving users unable to access AI-based text assistance. With OxygenOS 16.0.3 AI Writer support, those limitations have now been lifted without requiring any unofficial methods.
How OxygenOS 16.0.3 AI Writer Works on OnePlus Phones
The return of OxygenOS 16.0.3 AI Writer depends on updated system components such as the System Launcher and AI Writer-related services. Once these applications are updated to compatible versions, AI Writer starts working automatically on eligible OnePlus smartphones.
Users do not need to reset their devices or enable experimental settings. Simply installing the latest OxygenOS update and ensuring all related system apps are updated is enough to restore AI Writer functionality.
Download Links:
- OnePlus Launcher Version: 16.4.10 – Download
- AI Writer Apk Version: 16.0.3.501 – Download
- Calculator Apk Version: 16.0.3.501 – Download
- Phone Manager Apk Version: 16.0.3.501 – Download
- Photos Apk Version: 16.0.3.501 – Download
Why OxygenOS 16.0.3 AI Writer Matters
OxygenOS 16.0.3 AI Writer enhances productivity by offering smart text generation, rewriting assistance, and contextual suggestions within supported apps. This makes everyday tasks like replying to messages, drafting notes, or editing text faster and more efficient.
The stable return of OxygenOS 16.0.3 AI Writer also indicates that OnePlus is actively refining its AI ecosystem and preparing for broader AI feature expansion in future updates.
Overall, OxygenOS 16.0.3 AI Writer adds meaningful value to the latest OxygenOS release and improves the overall user experience for OnePlus users.
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Realme Oppo subbrand integration marks a significant shift in the global smartphone industry as Realme officially aligns itself under Oppo to streamline operations and reduce costs.
Realme Oppo Subbrand Integration: Why Realme Is Moving Under Oppo
The decision brings Realme closer to Oppo at an operational level, even though both brands have long shared the same parent company, BBK Electronics. By aligning supply chains, research and development, and manufacturing, the two brands aim to improve efficiency while navigating shrinking margins and rising competition in the global smartphone market.
The Realme Oppo subbrand integration is designed to help both brands respond to slowing smartphone demand and rising operational costs. By bringing Realme closer under Oppo’s umbrella, the Realme Oppo subbrand integration allows shared research, supply chains, and manufacturing while keeping brand identities intact. Industry analysts believe the Realme Oppo subbrand integration could strengthen Realme’s presence in India and other price-sensitive markets.
Realme has built a strong presence in price-sensitive markets such as India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe. Its strategy of offering feature-rich smartphones at aggressive prices helped it gain rapid market share over the past few years. However, the broader slowdown in smartphone demand has pushed manufacturers to rethink standalone operations.
What Changes for Consumers?
Despite the integration, Realme is expected to continue operating as a distinct brand. Industry watchers believe consumers may not see immediate changes in branding or product positioning. Instead, the biggest impact is likely behind the scenes, with shared technology platforms, software development, and component sourcing.
For Oppo, absorbing Realme more closely strengthens its multi-brand strategy, allowing it to target different price segments without duplicating costs. This approach mirrors tactics used by other global smartphone giants to survive an increasingly crowded market.
How Realme Oppo Subbrand Integration Impacts Global Smartphone Markets
India remains one of Realme’s most important markets, where it competes aggressively in the mid-range and budget segments. The Oppo subbrand integration could help Realme maintain competitive pricing while improving long-term sustainability. Analysts suggest this move may also accelerate product launches by leveraging Oppo’s established infrastructure.
A Strategic Move Amid Industry Pressure
The Realme-Oppo integration reflects a broader trend of consolidation within the smartphone industry. As competition intensifies and growth slows, brands are focusing on scale, efficiency, and shared innovation to protect margins and stay relevant in key markets worldwide.
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