TL;DR
- Hands-on with an internal build of OxygenOS 16 from OnePlus
- New Lock Screen Widgets, iOS26-inspired Clock layouts, and more
Last year, OnePlus introduced OxygenOS 15, focusing on smoother performance and subtle UX improvements, including new lock screen personalization tools. Now, with OxygenOS 16, OnePlus is doubling down on customization, animation fluidity, and one of the most requested features: lock screen widgets.
We had early hands-on access to an internal build of OxygenOS 16. While we can’t share screenshots due to pre-release restrictions, here’s a detailed walkthrough of what’s new — and what you can expect when the update rolls out globally, likely in Q4 2024.
Lock Screen Gets Major Customization Upgrades
Tapping into the layout section reveals three new clock styles:
- Full-width stretched clock across the screen (inspired by Apple’s iOS 16).
- Left or right two-thirds layout for asymmetric design lovers.
- Top-left or top-right stretched clock for minimalist looks.
These options offer more freedom to express your style, especially when paired with dynamic wallpapers.
Lock Screen Widgets Are Finally Here
After years of community demand, lock screen widgets have officially arrived in OxygenOS 16. You can now add widgets — like weather, calendar, battery stats, or other supported apps — to the bottom section of your lock screen.
This brings real functionality to the lock screen and aligns OnePlus with trends we’ve seen on Pixel and Samsung devices.
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System Animations and UI Polish
System-wide, OxygenOS 16 introduces refined animations that make interactions feel smoother and more natural. We noticed improvements in:
- App transitions
- Settings navigation
- Menu interactions
The fluidity is especially apparent in the Wallpaper & Style interface and throughout system apps.
Quick Settings: Now Scrollable and Customizable
OnePlus has also overhauled the Quick Settings panel:
- You can now drag and drop toggles anywhere on the grid.
- A new scrollable layout makes finding toggles faster.
- These updates are exclusive to the Split layout (not available in the Classic view).
This is a huge win for power users who want better control over their shortcuts.
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When Will OxygenOS 16 Launch?
The build we tested is still under development, so expect more refinements before the final release. Based on OnePlus’s update history, OxygenOS 16 is expected to roll out around October 2025 — starting with flagship models like the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13S.
Final Thoughts (For Now)
Even in this early build, OxygenOS 16 already looks like a meaningful upgrade, especially for users who prioritize personalization, smooth UI, and convenience features. The addition of lock screen widgets and flexible clock layouts modernizes the OS while keeping it uniquely OnePlus.
What Do You Think?
Are you excited to try the new lock screen widgets or clock styles? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned for more OxygenOS 16 coverage as we get closer to the final release.
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