OnePlus has commenced development of OxygenOS 17, its next major software interface based on Android 17, which is scheduled for release later this year. While the update will bring new features and security enhancements to over a dozen devices, it will also represent the final major operating system upgrade for several popular models, including the OnePlus Open and the OnePlus 12R. These devices will transition into a maintenance phase, where they will continue to receive critical security patches but will no longer be eligible for future Android version increments.
The transition marks a significant point in the lifecycle of OnePlus’s current hardware lineup. The company’s tiered software support policy, which offers between three and four years of major OS updates depending on the model, dictates that several flagship and mid-range devices launched between 2023 and 2024 have reached their final promised version. Samsung Galaxy One UI 9: Tentative List of Eligible Devices Emerges as Internal Testing Begins.
While OxygenOS 17 is still in the early stages of internal testing, Google’s release of four Android 17 betas has provided a preliminary look at the underlying platform changes. OnePlus is expected to layer its own custom features and UI refinements on top of these core Android updates before the stable rollout begins.
OnePlus Open and OnePlus 11: Final Flagship Upgrades
The OnePlus Open, the brand’s first foldable smartphone, is among the most notable devices entering its final update cycle. Launched in late 2023 with Android 13, the device was promised four major OS upgrades. Having already received subsequent versions, Android 17 will serve as the fourth and final instalment. Similarly, the OnePlus 11, which also debuted with Android 13 under a four-year support guarantee, will conclude its major software journey with the upcoming OxygenOS 17 release.
Despite the end of major OS support, both flagships are expected to remain functional for several additional years. OnePlus typically provides security updates for one to two years beyond the final OS version, ensuring that users are protected against emerging vulnerabilities even after the feature set is locked.
OnePlus 12R and Pad 2: Reaching Support Limits
The OnePlus 12R and the OnePlus Pad 2 are also identified as reaching their software maturity with Android 17. Both devices launched in 2024 with Android 14 pre-installed. However, under OnePlus’s current support structure for these specific models, they are eligible for only three major OS upgrades. As a result, the transition from Android 16 to Android 17 will be their last.
This three-year cycle for the "R" series and tablets reflects a different strategic approach compared to the primary numbered flagships. Users who prioritised longevity may find the 12R reaching its limit sooner than the standard OnePlus 12, which enjoys a longer support window.
OxygenOS 17: Features and Testing Progress
Although OnePlus has not officially detailed the specific enhancements coming to OxygenOS 17, the update is expected to focus heavily on AI integration and improved system fluidity. Early reports suggest that OnePlus will adopt several of Google’s new Android 17 privacy controls and multitasking improvements, particularly for the large-screen experience on the OnePlus Open and Pad 2.
The rollout is anticipated to follow the usual pattern, with flagship devices receiving the stable build first, followed by the "R" series and tablets. Beta programmes are expected to open in the third quarter of 2026, allowing enthusiasts to test the new interface before the general public release.
As hardware performance continues to plateau, software longevity has become a key selling point in the premium smartphone market. Competitors like Google and Samsung have recently moved towards seven-year support cycles, placing pressure on OnePlus to reconsider its current three to four-year framework for future models. Android 17 Beta 3: Google Reintroduces Single-Tap Wi-Fi Toggle to Simplify Quick Settings.
For now, owners of the affected devices are encouraged to prepare for the OxygenOS 17 transition by ensuring their data is backed up. While the lack of an Android 18 update may eventually limit access to some new Google services, the robust hardware in the OnePlus 11 and Open should ensure a smooth user experience well into 2027.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 22, 2026 09:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).













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