OnePlus’ OxygenOS 12 update – release date, eligible devices, features and everything you need to know

• The OxygenOS 12 update is now available in public beta for OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro users.
• The OxygenOS 12 update is based on Android 12 and features tighter integration with ColorOS.
• It will eventually roll out to the OnePlus 7, 8 series and the Nord, Nord 2 and Nord CE 5G.

OnePlus has taken the wraps off the OxygenOS 12 update, its next major update that is based on Android 12 which features much tighter integration with Oppo’s ColorOS custom interface. This is the first major step that OnePlus has taken in its transition to ColorOS after the company announced that it is merging its research and development department with the latter.

Some of the highlights of the new OxygenOS 12 update include reduced information density and bolder text to make it easier to read menus. OnePlus has also subtly reworked the iconography across the operating system, including app icons, indicators like clock, data, Wi-Fi and more.

If you’re concerned about OnePlus changing things up too much, you don’t have to worry as most of the core OxygenOS features like gestures, accent colours and more are intact.

OxygenOS 12 – release date

The OxygenOS 12 public beta is now live for the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro. It is also expected to be available on the rumoured OnePlus 9 RT that is expected to launch later this month.

It is worth noting that although Android 12 has been released in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) branch, Google is yet to roll it out for the Pixel smartphones. This could mean it’s not complete yet, so this could cause a minor delay in the final rollout of OxygenOS 12 based on Android 12.

OxygenOS 12 – eligible devices

OxygenOS 12 features

Although the current OxygenOS 12 release is still in public beta, OnePlus has outlined some of the major highlights of its upcoming update. Here’s everything you should know about OxygenOS 12:

Customisable dark mode

Perhaps one of the most useful additions in OxygenOS 12, this feature will let you customise how dark you want the dark mode to be. This is a direct pick from ColorOS and will enhance the usability for those who may not prefer the dark mode to be completely black.

OxygenOS 12 will let you choose between three modes – Gentle, Medium and Enhanced, with the intensity of the dark background increasing with each mode.

Brand new Shelf

Shelf has long been an after-thought in OxygenOS, but it is finally becoming a lot more useful in OxygenOS 12. OnePlus has redesigned it with a card layout, with widgets for weather, step counter, data, storage and more.

Private Safe to keep things secret

Another interesting addition in OxygenOS 12 is Private Safe, allowing you to hide sensitive photos, videos and documents behind a password. The data stored in the Private Safe is isolated from other apps while remaining personally accessible. Users can keep personal files such as photos, videos, audios, and documents in the Private Safe securely all through one access.

Work Life Balance goes global

OnePlus is expanding Work Life Balance to global markets, allowing you to easily shift from Work and Personal profiles, with customised notification and app access. Another useful improvement is that you will be able to switch profiles as soon as your phone connects to a specific Wi-Fi network.

New styles in Canvas AOD

Canvas AOD (always-on display) has been an interesting new addition in OxygenOS 11 and OnePlus is improving it further by making it even more customisable in OxygenOS 12. There are a few brushed line elements you can add to make your phone look like a work-in-progress canvas when it’s locked.

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