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TechnologyJul 16, 2026· 4 min read

OnePlus, the 'flagship killer' company withdraws from Europe: the ball is in OPPO's court | UPDATED

OnePlus Withdraws

OnePlus has confirmed the cessation of new product launches in Europe, including Italy, and North America. Thus, it closes its smartphone operations in markets that have significantly contributed to its rise. The company stated that this move is part of a broader global product strategy, aiming to optimize resources toward regions deemed a priority.

OnePlus is Leaving

Despite the withdrawal from the West concerning new launches, OnePlus has assured current customers that post-sales support, software updates, and warranty obligations for devices already in circulation will remain unchanged. The company even hinted at the possibility of further extending software updates for some models, without providing specific details.

The decision to abandon new launches was neither an imposition from parent company OPPO nor a unilateral choice by OnePlus, according to the latter during a briefing with international press. The goal is to concentrate resources in markets where the company believes it can best serve users, with a focus on 'doing the right thing in the right market.'

OnePlus's Indian subsidiary, meanwhile, will continue to operate regularly, as India is a key market for the company. This was evidenced by the recent launch of the OnePlus N6. However, no details were provided about future flagship launches like the potential OnePlus 16, leaving uncertainty regarding the roadmap. OnePlus India has denied speculation about a future withdrawal from the country, reaffirming that local operations are proceeding smoothly.

OnePlus is Leaving, and OPPO Boosts Its European Presence

A significant news item concerns the software experience: in the future, OnePlus phones will adopt ColorOS. Although OxygenOS and ColorOS already share a common technical base, with ColorOS serving over 740 million users globally, OPPO has decided that future OnePlus devices will solely use ColorOS. Updates to ColorOS will be distributed to OnePlus users in North America, Europe, and India in the coming months. Users in Europe and North America will have the option to upgrade to the latest version of ColorOS, and even older models not included in the upgrade plan will continue to receive maintenance support.

Alongside OnePlus's withdrawal, OPPO has highlighted Europe as a strategic market, announcing its intention to increase investments in the region. This includes a more pronounced focus on high-end smartphones, expanding partnerships with retailers, and a greater availability of products. OPPO has also launched a new online store in the UK, offering a wider range of items. The company emphasized that OnePlus's withdrawal does not imply a weakening of its commitment to the European market.

The situation in North America is more complex for OnePlus users, given that OPPO phones are not officially marketed there. The company did not provide a substitute strategy for these customers, reiterating only the maintenance of commitments for existing devices. It also thanked the OnePlus community, recognizing its crucial role in shaping the brand.

The landscape of the mobile industry was very different before the arrival of the first OnePlus One in 2014. Samsung dominated Android, Apple the premium market, and Chinese brands were little known in the West, while flagship smartphone costs were rising. The OnePlus One, initially sold through an invite system and labeled a 'flagship killer,' quickly became a favorite among enthusiasts due to its value for money. OxygenOS was appreciated for its cleanliness and closeness to stock Android, enriched with useful features, and the company was known for its dialogue with its community, embodying the 'Never Settle' philosophy.

Over the years, OnePlus has evolved, expanding beyond the niche of enthusiasts, forging partnerships with carriers in North America, entering higher price segments, and diversifying its offerings with wearables and tablets, alongside an increasing integration with parent company OPPO. This integration has seen a consolidation of research and development operations, with OxygenOS and ColorOS gradually sharing the same underlying platform. Even realme, another OPPO brand, is downsizing its operations in China, focusing on overseas markets (including Italy) to optimize resources and align the global product strategy.

The roadmap for OnePlus in China remains unchanged.

Update - Below are the official statements from OnePlus and OPPO:

OnePlus Statement

"After careful evaluation, OnePlus will no longer launch new products in Europe and North America. The rights and interests of existing users, including post-sales support, software updates, and security patches, will continue to be fully protected."

OPPO Statement

"To further consolidate resources and strengthen synergies in the global product strategy, realme will focus on international markets and will no longer launch new products in China. The product roadmap for OnePlus in China remains unchanged. Both realme and OnePlus will continue to offer users premium gaming and performance experiences."

OPPO's European business remains stable, with strong growth in the premium flagship segment. OPPO confirms its commitment to supporting OnePlus users in Europe, ensuring continuity in both assistance and product experience. We also welcome OnePlus users interested in discovering OPPO products.