OPPO to unify OnePlus OxygenOS and realme UI into "supercharged" ColorOS
In an exclusive report, Smartprix claims that OPPO's aggressive corporate restructuring will extend deeply into software, favoring ColorOS.
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| File photo: ColorOS, OxygenOS, realme UI |
One OS to rule them all
The report claims that OxygenOS and realme UI are being discontinued in favor of ColorOS as the unified Android skin across OnePlus, realme, and OPPO devices globally.
If true, this makes a lot of sense. OPPO owns both OnePlus and realme. OxygenOS codebase was integrated with ColorOS in 2021, and realme UI is based on ColorOS.
Smartprix says that this major shift could be the end of an era for Android enthusiasts who prized the distinct identities of these brands under the BBK Electronics umbrella. The move is driven primarily by the need to slash massive R&D costs associated with maintaining three separate software platforms.
Citing a "reliable industry insider," Smartprix reported that all future OnePlus and realme smartphones will run OPPO's ColorOS exclusively. This consolidation follows years of gradual convergence: OxygenOS and realme UI have increasingly shared code with ColorOS since a 2021 merger announcement, but the brands retained unique naming and tweaks that preserved their appeal.
This decision aligns with broader business streamlining. OnePlus is narrowing its global focus to key markets such as India and China, with after-sales support in India already merged into OPPO's network. realme is winding down operations in China to concentrate on international markets.
The toll of maintaining three distinct Android skins is massive and includes engineering resources, testing, and ongoing development. By consolidating under ColorOS, OPPO can reduce redundant developmental costs, deliver faster feature rollouts and security updates, and streamline global operations as the brands integrate more closely at the hardware and support levels.
The move is effectively eroding the illusion of choice among BBK brands. Android users seeking variety may look elsewhere for differentiation.
OPPO, OnePlus, and realme have yet to officially comment on the report as of now. Industry observers expect formal announcements or gradual rollout in upcoming device launches.
In summary, here are the possible upsides of a unified OS
While some users may lament the loss of OxygenOS and realme UI, the shift to purely ColorOS might also bring several advantages:
- Faster updates and security patches thanks to a single codebase
- Consistent user experience across OPPO, OnePlus, and realme devices
- Reduced bugs and better stability with engineering resources focused on one platform
- Stronger ecosystem integration across phones, tablets, wearables, and IoT
- Global streamlining for after-sales support and updates
- Innovation at scale, as R&D can be concentrated on bigger features instead of maintaining three skins
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