Dear Friends,
We started OnePlus right here, on this very Community forum, even before we had a product. The goal was simple: talk to you, understand what you want in a smartphone, and build something truly different. I still remember writing my first post from Tairan, our first-ever office space. Those early conversations shaped OnePlus, and that connection with you has never changed.
Over the years, I’ve talked to you a lot. Lately, I know I haven’t shown up as often as I’d like, but that’s because our teams have grown tremendously, and they are doing an incredible job! Still, some things are too important not to talk about directly.
That’s why I want to share something with you before you hear it anywhere else.
The Alert Slider has always been one of my favorite OnePlus features. It’s simple, intuitive, and just works. In fact, I loved it so much that we even brought it to OPPO devices. It isn't just a feature, it is a symbol of thoughtful design.
But here’s the thing: as much as I love the Alert Slider, I kept asking myself the same question. How can it do more? As iconic as it is, it is a huge piece of hardware just to switch sound profiles. That didn’t sit right with me. I brought this up with our product team several times because I believed we could push it further.
We Went Back to the Drawing Board
When the OnePlus 10T launched without the Alert Slider, we heard you. Loud and clear. It wasn’t just about missing a feature, it was about identity. That moment made us take a step back and rethink everything.
For the past 3 years, we've debated how to take the Alert Slider further.
Making this decision wasn’t easy for me either. When the team first came to me with a proposal to make a change to our alert slider, I was skeptical, just like some of you might be feeling right now. It is a bold move, and not everyone was convinced. But I knew that if we wanted to build something truly better, we had to take this leap. And today, we can finally share that vision with you.
The Challenge with the Slider
One of the most common requests we’ve heard over the years? "Let me customize the Alert Slider." And honestly, I wanted that too.
But here’s the issue: the Alert Slider is a hardware switch. Its function is locked to its physical position, meaning it can’t be reprogrammed or expanded without losing its simplicity.
So, we had two choices. Leave it as it was or evolve it into something even more powerful.
The Solution? A Smarter, Customisable Button
Smartphones today aren’t just tools packed with industry-leading specs (though we’ve got that covered). They’re intelligent companions. The new smart button is designed for that future, delivering a more personalized experience.
Imagine a button that adapts to you. Whether you’re a power user or prefer simplicity, this button works for you, not the other way around. Wherever life takes you, it seamlessly fits your lifestyle. It’s an innovation that is not just smart but intuitively yours.
This change allows us to better utilize the device's space, explore new layouts, and make structural improvements while keeping performance top-notch.
I can’t reveal everything just yet, but trust me, this button is future-ready and incredibly intuitive.
The Best Is Here to Stay
One big question I know many of you have: "Will I still be able to switch sound profiles without waking my phone?"
The answer? Yes. Absolutely.
This was non-negotiable, and something I specifically asked of the team. I know how essential it is to be able to silence your phone quickly and easily, and that feature is staying intact with the new button. So while this is an evolution, the convenience and ease of use you love are not going anywhere.
Designed With You, For You—Let’s Talk!
We don’t make these decisions lightly. Every step of the way, we’ve thought about how this change impacts you. This isn’t just about hardware. It’s about ensuring your OnePlus experience remains second to none.
And while we’re excited about what this new button can do, I also want to hear from you. What functionalities would make this button truly useful for you? How would you like to see it enhance your daily experience?
Your feedback has always shaped OnePlus devices, and this time is no different. This is just the beginning, and your input will help define how we refine and improve this feature moving forward.
This Is a Change for the Better
I know this is a big change. And I know it’s not easy to accept. The Alert Slider holds a special place in the hearts of our Community, and we don’t take that lightly.
But we truly believe this is the right step forward. We’re not just replacing the Alert Slider, we’re evolving it, keeping the best parts while unlocking new possibilities that weren’t possible before.
I can’t wait for you to experience it firsthand. And as always, we’ll be here, listening. Drop your thoughts in the comments below, let’s shape the future together, one click at a time.
Never Settle.
Mihin elämä ikinä viekään, niin tämä puhelimen kyljessä oleva nappula on sinun elämäntyyliisi täydellisesti mukautuva kaveri.
