Tech

OnePlus confirms withdrawal from US and European markets, shifting software to Oppo’s ColorOS

The smartphone maker will cease new hardware sales in key Western markets, with existing devices transitioning to Oppo’s operating system for future updates.

Author
Owen Mercer
Markets and Finance Editor
Published
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Source: The Verge · original
OnePlus officially gives up on the US and Europe
Parent company pledges to honour warranties as sub-brand prepares for broader global contraction

OnePlus has officially confirmed it will cease sales of new hardware in the United States and European markets, ending its presence in these regions. The decision marks a significant strategic retreat for the sub-brand, with existing devices in these territories transitioning from OxygenOS to Oppo’s ColorOS for future software updates. Parent company Oppo has pledged to honour existing support and warranty agreements, although specific logistical details for the US market remain unconfirmed.

In a statement to The Verge, Oppo’s senior PR manager in Europe, James Paterson, confirmed that software updates and after-sale support would be guaranteed in both the US and Europe. However, the company declined to provide specifics on how it would manage these obligations in the US, where OnePlus will no longer maintain a physical or operational presence. In contrast, Oppo itself will continue to sell phones and other products in Europe, potentially facilitating local support mechanisms.

The transition to ColorOS is scheduled to occur in the coming months. Oppo Europe CEO Elvis Zhou noted that owners retain the option to roll back to OxygenOS if they prefer, though doing so would likely forfeit access to future updates. Industry observers have long anticipated this shift, noting that ColorOS is increasingly viewed as a robust Android skin, with differences from OxygenOS being largely aesthetic rather than functional.

Broader market contraction appears to be underway beyond the West. Bloomberg reported earlier this week that OnePlus may exit India and all remaining markets except China by next year. Following this report, Oppo PR representative Nicole Okpokiri confirmed that the company’s product roadmap in China remains unchanged. She also disclosed that sub-brand Realme is undergoing restructuring to focus on overseas markets, effectively ceasing new product launches in China.

Regarding the impact on staff, Zhou stated that workforce adjustments were handled in full accordance with relevant laws and regulations, with some employees offered the choice to transfer to roles within Oppo. He declined to comment on the number of staff affected or those who chose to leave. Meanwhile, the upcoming OnePlus 16 flagship remains in development, though its international launch status is unclear. Oppo is also reportedly working on a wide foldable phone to compete with Samsung and Apple, alongside the upcoming Find X10 series.

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