The smartphone brand OnePlus, once celebrated as a revolutionary force in the Android space, has officially shut down its operations in the United States and European markets. The decision, made by parent company Oppo, marks the end of an era for enthusiasts who embraced the "Never Settle" philosophy. According to leaks, the Indian market may also be affected soon, despite official denials. Existing OnePlus devices will continue to receive software updates, but the OxygenOS interface will be gradually replaced by ColorOS starting with Android 17.
The rise and fall of a smartphone icon
Founded in 2013, OnePlus quickly built a loyal fan base with powerful devices at competitive prices and a clean software experience, initially based on CyanogenMod. However, the progressive integration with Oppo diluted the brand's identity. Many beloved features, such as the stock-like operating system, were gradually abandoned. The transformation into an Oppo clone led to increasingly less distinctive products, culminating in the closure announced this week.
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The highlights: OnePlus Open and OnePlus 13
Among the ups and downs, two devices marked the peak of the brand's recent trajectory. The OnePlus Open, launched in 2023, was one of the best foldables ever made, featuring cutting-edge hardware and the "Open Canvas" system for multitasking, a feature that still lives on in Oppo foldables. Shortly after, the OnePlus 13 finally embodied the "Never Settle" mantra: stellar battery life, cameras with a unique signature, and thermal performance superior to any other Android flagship in the US. Unfortunately, the subsequent OnePlus 15 represented a step back, focusing only on battery life. With OnePlus's closure, these two models remain the swan song of a brand that once inspired passion.
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Similar to other tech services that have shut down, like ChatGPT Atlas which recently closed its doors, the end of OnePlus leaves a void in the smartphone landscape. The Android ecosystem in the US is becoming increasingly barren, with few players left to compete with Apple. OnePlus's quiet disappearance, without an official farewell, is described by many as a "whimper" rather than a bang.
For more on the brand's history, see the OnePlus Wikipedia page.
Source: https://9to5google.com/2026/07/19/oneplus-died-with-a-whimper-not-a-bang
