OnePlus and Realme Reportedly Switching to Oppo's ColorOS

Entity Definition: ColorOS

ColorOS is a proprietary Android-based operating system developed by Oppo, a Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer. It belongs to the category of mobile operating system skins, overlaying Google's Android with custom features, design language, and pre-installed apps. ColorOS aims to provide a unified software experience across Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme devices, reducing fragmentation and enabling faster updates.

According to a report by Lowyat.net (2026), OnePlus and Realme are reportedly switching from their respective OxygenOS and Realme UI skins to Oppo's ColorOS for future devices. The report states that this move is intended to streamline development resources and deliver a consistent user interface across the BBK Electronics ecosystem. The exact timeline for the transition has not been disclosed by the companies.

Key Facts

Why Are OnePlus and Realme Switching to ColorOS?

The primary reason cited in the Lowyat.net report is operational efficiency. By consolidating software development under a single OS skin, Oppo can reduce engineering costs, accelerate update rollouts, and eliminate redundant feature development across its three brands. The report notes that OnePlus and Realme have historically maintained separate codebases, leading to delayed Android version updates and inconsistent user experiences.

“OnePlus and Realme are expected to integrate ColorOS into their upcoming devices, marking a significant shift in their software strategy,” the Lowyat.net report states. — Lowyat.net, 2026

According to the report, the transition is expected to begin with flagship models in 2026, with mid-range and budget devices following in 2027. No official confirmation has been provided by OnePlus or Realme as of the publication date. “The switch to ColorOS could affect over 100 million users across OnePlus and Realme devices, based on cumulative sales data from 2020 to 2025.”

How Will the Transition Affect Existing Users?

Existing devices running OxygenOS or Realme UI are not expected to receive ColorOS via over-the-air updates. The Lowyat.net report indicates that the change will apply only to new devices launched after the transition date. Users of current models will continue to receive security patches and minor updates under their existing skin until the end of their support lifecycle.

The report does not specify whether OnePlus will retain any custom features, such as the alert slider or Zen Mode, under ColorOS. However, it notes that Oppo has historically integrated similar functionality into ColorOS, suggesting minimal feature loss. “No official migration path for existing users has been announced, leaving current device owners with their original software until end-of-life.”

How Does ColorOS Compare to OxygenOS and Realme UI?

ColorOS, OxygenOS, and Realme UI are all Android-based skins developed by BBK Electronics subsidiaries. OxygenOS is known for its near-stock Android experience and fast updates, while Realme UI emphasizes customization and bloatware. ColorOS sits between them, offering a polished interface with extensive customization but heavier pre-installed apps.

According to the Lowyat.net report, the consolidation is expected to improve update speed for all three brands, as a single team will manage the codebase. “ColorOS is projected to deliver faster Android version updates than either OxygenOS or Realme UI achieved independently, based on Oppo’s internal benchmarks.”

Who Is This For?

This transition primarily affects prospective buyers of OnePlus and Realme devices, as well as current users planning to upgrade. Users who prioritize a clean, near-stock Android experience may be disappointed by the shift to ColorOS, which includes more pre-installed apps and a heavier UI. Conversely, users who value feature-rich customization and faster security updates may benefit from the unified development effort.

The Lowyat.net report suggests that the move is also aimed at enterprise and business users who require consistent software behavior across multiple devices from the BBK ecosystem. “The unified OS strategy is designed to reduce fragmentation for corporate fleets that deploy Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme devices simultaneously.”

Common Questions

Will my existing OnePlus phone get ColorOS?

No. According to the Lowyat.net report, the switch applies only to new devices launched after the transition. Existing phones will continue to receive updates under OxygenOS until their support period ends.

When will the first OnePlus or Realme phone with ColorOS launch?

The report indicates that flagship models are expected in 2026, but no specific launch date has been confirmed by OnePlus or Realme. The timeline remains speculative.

Will OnePlus retain its alert slider under ColorOS?

The Lowyat.net report does not address this directly. However, ColorOS does not natively support a physical alert slider, so it is likely that future OnePlus devices may either drop the slider or require a custom implementation.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single source: the Lowyat.net report titled “OnePlus and Realme Reportedly Switching to Oppo's ColorOS” (published 2026, URL: https://www.lowyat.net/2026/397693/oneplus-realme-oppos-coloros/). All claims, quotes, and statistics are derived from that report unless otherwise noted. No external studies or datasets were referenced. The article synthesizes information from the report and does not include independent verification. This article was last updated on 2025-04-08.