[Update: Aug. 12] OnePlus 6 & OnePlus 6T Android 11 (OxygenOS 11) update: Here's what we know so far

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on July 28, 2020) follows:

OnePlus is one of the only major Android OEMs to release 3 OS updates for its devices. Manufacturers such as Samsung only release 2 major Android updates for their devices. This trend has been one of the biggest cons of purchasing an Android device over an iPhone.

Three years of OS updates are a lot better than just two especially when buyers these days have to shell out over a grand for a flagship phone from brands like Samsung or LG. The OnePlus 3 series that released back in 2016 released with Android Marshmallow and even received the Android Pie update.

You would be hard-pressed to find another Android phone from 2016 running on an official Android Pie build. But that’s not the only series that received 3 OS updates. OnePlus also rolled out Android 10 for the OnePlus 5 and 5T.

Both smartphones came with Android 7.1.1 running out-of-the-box and have since then picked up the updates to Android 8 Oreo, Android 9 Pie, and recently even bagged Android 10. Thus, the OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T received three major OS updates similar to the OnePlus 3 series.

This brings up the question regarding the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T and whether or not they will receive an update to Android 11. The OnePlus 6 launched with Android 8.1 Oreo pre-installed. However, the OnePlus 6T came with Android 9 Pie right out-of-the-box.

So it’s easy to assume that OnePlus will roll out the Android 11 update for the 6T since it has only received one major OS update, which is the update to Android 10. However, Android 10 was the second major OS update for the OnePlus 6.

This means that the update to Android 11 will be the third OS update for the OnePlus 6 and the second OS update for the OnePlus 6T. Going by the previous trend, the OnePlus 3 series received the Android Pie update in Q2 of 2019. Further, the OnePlus 5/5T also received the Android 10 update in Q2 of 2020.

To be more precise, the OnePlus 3 series and 5 series both received their third major OS update in May. Thus, taking this information into account, we may see the Android 11 update for the OnePlus 6 and 6T arrive in May of 2021.

This information is also backed up by a comment from a ‘Community Expert’ on OnePlus’ forums. The expert suggests that Q2 of 2021 could be when the OnePlus 6T receives Android 11. Here’s his entire comment:

at some point after Google releases it. Going by when the updates worked their way down to the 5 series this year I would predict Q2 of 2021 at a guess.

Given this information and past update cycles, we can say with some confidence that the OnePlus 6 and the OnePlus 6T will get the OxygenOS 11 update based on Android 11. Of course, this is by no means official confirmation for the Android 11 update on the devices.

We may have to wait a few more months before OnePlus makes an official announcement. At present, the company has already begun beta testing Android 11 on the OnePlus 8 series. Next in line should be the OnePlus 7 series following which the OnePlus 6 and 6T would hopefully get the update too.

In the meantime, you can check out our OnePlus Android 11 update tracker to know when it arrives on your device. Further, you can take a look at the list of eligible devices from the company that might get the upcoming OS update.

IST 11:36 am: Responding to a user’s query regarding the Android 11 update for the OnePlus 6T, a OnePlus community mod has stated that while the OnePlus 6 series will get Android 11, it may take a long time.

Further, it’s highly likely that the OnePlus 7 series and the OnePlus Nord will get the update to Android 11 (OxygenOS 11) before the OnePlus 6 series. Of course, this isn’t an official statement and thus must be taken with a grain of salt.

IST 06:23 pm: An alleged OxygenOS 11 (Android 11) timeline has been posted online. According to the timeline, the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T will bag the OxygenOS 11 update in 2021. This matches our previous information as well.

Therefore, OnePlus 6 and 6T users will have to wait a few months before they get the Android 11 update. See the full story here.

IST 03:05 pm: It seems that the Android 11 update for the T-Mobile variants of the OnePlus 6T is currently under development according to the carrier’s listing. Of course, it’s likely that the update is in development for the standard models too.

IST 02:05 pm: OnePlus has recently published a notice on the state of OxygenOS 11 to eligible devices that haven’t bagged the update.

In the post, OnePlus goes to notify users of OnePlus 6/6T to stay tuned for more info about this upcoming update at a later time.

‘For users owning OnePlus 6/6T and Nord 10 5G/100, we’ll keep you posted on more details later.’
Source

IST 12:10 pm: While we still don’t have much with regards to the Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 for the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T, a new project hopes to bring Linux support for these two devices. While still buggy at the moment, it could mean a life for these devices beyond its official support period. More on that here.

IST 11:30 pm Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 is looking like a pipe-dream for users of the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T. This, because OnePlus is rolling out the January 2021 security patch as OxygenOS 10.3.8. More on that update here.

IST 16:30 pm Media publications these days are highlighting that OnePlus is going to cease HydrogenOS in China and switch to Oppo’s ColorOS in the coming days.

While a company spokesperson has mentioned that this move will not affect OxygenOS (globally), the fate of Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 on OnePlus 6 devices gets a bit confusing here.

The reason being, so far, the updates first landed on HydrogenOS, followed by the OxygenOS. If the HydrogenOS is shutting down in China, how the OEM plans to go further in the case of Android 11 on the OnePlus 6, there is yet to come any clarity regarding this.

OnePlus has since published an official statement regarding this move. You can catch that here.

IST 12:15 pm OnePlus has once again cast down OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T users by releasing a mere security patch. The Android 11 update still remains elusive. Read the detailed coverage here.

IST 02:38 pm It appears OnePlus may follow through with the HydrogenOS 11 update for the OnePlus 6 and 6T in China which may precede the OxygenOS 11 update in other markets. Check out all the details here.

IST 22:03 pm: New reports now suggest that OnePlus 6 and 6T users might have to wait until late August for the public beta builds of Android 11-based HydrogenOS 11. More on that here.

IST 07:03 am: As the wait for OxygenOS 11 for the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T continues, the company is rolling out the Android 10-based April patch to these devices as OxygenOS 10.3.10. More on that here.

IST 10:11 am: Could this upcoming OxygenOS 11 update fix the frame dropped issue for users of the OnePlus 6 and OePlus 6T? Check out our coverage here for more.

IST 12:50 pm: OnePlus has reportedly ended support for its first-party apps on the Google Play store for OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T users running Android 10-based OxygenOS 10. Does this mean OxygenOS 11 update will come sooner? More on that here.

IST 11:25 am: The wait for the OxygenOS 11 update based on Android 11 for OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T still continues. The OEM has now released the OxygenOS 10 update version 10.3.11 for both devices along with the May security patch.

IST 06:56 pm: Despite the recent deeper integration with Oppo that’s meant to hasten software updates, OnePlus still won’t budge on its OxygenOS 11 release date for OnePlus 6 and 6T. Details here.

IST 07:38 pm: A OnePlus Staff Member has recently stated that the Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 Open Beta update for OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T is coming soon soon. However, no ETA has been provided for the same.

Good news! It is coming soon. We will release an open beta version recently.
Source

IST 05:42 pm: OnePlus has finally released the first Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 Open Beta for OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T with several new features and improvements. Here’s the complete changelog for the same:

Changelog
[System]
– Updated to OxygenOS 11 version
– Fresh new UI visual design brings you a more comfortable experience with various optimizations of details
– Since this is a big Android update with multiple new features, the upgrade process might be a little longer, please be more patient.

[Game Space]
– Newly added gaming tools box for convenient switches of Fnatic mode. You can now choose three ways of notifications: text-only, heads up, and block, just for your immersive gaming experience
– Newly added quick reply feature in a small window for Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram (Enable it by swiping down from upper right/left corners of the screen in gaming mode)
– Newly added mistouch prevention feature. Enable it, swipe down from the top of the screen, click and the notification bar will pop out
[Camera]
– Updated the camera UI and optimized some of the function paths to offer a more convenient operation

[Ambient Display]
– Newly added Insight clock style, a joint creation with Parsons School of Design. It will change according to the phone usage data (To set: Settings > Customization > Clock on ambient display)
– Newly added Canvas feature that can automatically draw a wireframe picture based on a lock screen photo on your phone（Path: Settings – Customization – Wallpaper – Canvas – Choose photo preview and it can be generated automatically）

[Dark Mode]
– Added a shortcut for Dark Mode, you can pull down the Quick Settings panel and find it
– Supported automatically enable by time range (path: Settings – Display – Dark Mode – Turn on automatically – Automatically enable from sunset to sunrise / Custom time range)
[Shelf]
– Newly shelf interface design, the interface is clearer
– Added weather widget, animation effect smarter
Source

IST 06:40 pm: As per a user report, OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T might have started getting the OxygenOS 11 (Android 11) Open Beta 2 update. However, there have been official announcement regarding the same.

IST 06:04 pm: OnePlus has announced the availability of the 2nd Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 Open Beta update for the 6 and 6T models. Here’s the changelog for the update:

System
– Optimized the overheating control management of third-party apps
– Improved system stability and fixed known issues
Camera
– Fixed the issue of captured images can’t be saved
Network
– Enhanced the connectivity of 5G Wi-Fi

IST 08:04 am: OnePlus has just unveiled OxygenOS Android 11 Open Beta 3 for OnePlus 6/6T and below is the changelog.

System
– Optimized background process management mechanism to improve battery life
– Improved the smoothness of YouTube playing videos
– Improved system stability and fixed known issues
Network
– Fixed the failed issue of enabling VoWiFi
Work-Life Balance
– Fixed the issue that the feature doesn’t work when the screen is locked
Source

IST 10:24 am: Well it is official, OnePlus has finally pushed out the much-awaited Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 to users of the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T. Below is that update’s changelog.

System
– Updated to OxygenOS 11 version
– Fresh new UI visual design brings you a more comfortable experience with various optimizations of details
– Since this is a big Android update with multiple new features, the upgrade process might be a little longer, please be more patient.

Game Space
– Newly added gaming tools box for convenient switches of Fnatic mode. You can now choose three ways of notifications: text-only, heads up and block, just for your immersive gaming experience
– Newly added quick reply feature in a small window for Instagram, WhatsApp and Telegram (Enable it by swiping down from upper right/left corners of the screen in gaming mode)
– Newly added mis-touch prevention feature. Enable it, swipe down from the top of the screen, click and the notification bar will pop out

Camera
– Updated the camera UI and optimized some of the function paths to offer more convenient operation

Ambient Display
– Newly added Insight clock style, a joint creation with Parsons School of Design. It will change according to the phone usage data (To set: Settings > Customization > Clock on ambient display)
– Newly added Canvas feature that can automatically draw a wireframe picture based on a lock screen photo on your phone（Path: Settings – Customization – Wallpaper – Canvas – Choose photo preview and it can be generated automatically）

Dark Mode
– Added a shortcut for Dark Mode, you can pull down the Quick Settings panel and find it
– Supported automatically enable by time range (path: Settings – Display – Dark Mode – Turn on automatically
– Automatically enable from sunset to sunrise / Custom time range

Shelf

– Newly shelf interface design, the interface is clearer
– Added weather widget, animation effect smarter
Source

PiunikaWeb started as purely an investigative tech journalism website with main focus on ‘breaking’ or ‘exclusive’ news. In no time, our stories got picked up by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and many others. Want to know more about us? Head here.