OnePlus started giving the stable OxygenOS 16 update to the OnePlus 12R phone in late November 2025. Users in India were among the first to get this new software because it is being released step by step worldwide.
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| Image Credit: Phonearena |
The company shared news about the update on its official community forum, and many big tech websites confirmed that the OnePlus 12R is one of the first phones to get OxygenOS 16 this month.
OxygenOS 16 is based on Android 16 and has a new look all over the system. OnePlus named this new design “Liquid Glass.” Users will see new icons, smoother screen changes, and better animations that make the phone feel faster and more modern. The update also adds better options to change the lock screen and home screen, and it makes the visuals more uniform across menus and apps.
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Besides the new look, the update brings many AI (artificial intelligence) tools under OnePlus’s Plus Mind experience. These tools work on the phone to help with writing and editing, smarter photo and video functions, better management of notes and screenshots, and other helpful tools. These AI tools use saved information to create useful things like summaries or travel plans. Some AI features also work with Google’s Gemini AI where it is available.
OnePlus improved how OxygenOS 16 handles performance and resources. The company created a new system called the Trinity Engine that manages the phone’s CPU, GPU, and memory tasks to make apps open faster, keep background tasks in control, and keep heavy use stable for gaming, editing, and multitasking. Many users will notice smoother app switching and better memory use after updating.
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| Image Credit: Business Standard |
Multitasking and productivity are better too. The Smart Sidebar now works faster to open apps, floating windows and split-screen features are smoother, and apps resize and switch tasks more reliably. These changes help users who often switch between messaging, web browsing, and media or use their phone for light work.
Privacy and connection features also got better. OxygenOS 16 uses Android 16’s tighter permission controls and adds clearer icons for when location or apps are being used. It also makes it easier to transfer files from the phone to a PC and improves connection between devices. However, some advanced cross-platform tools still work only on certain devices or need extra apps.
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If you have a OnePlus 12R, you can check for the update by going to Settings → System → Software update. OnePlus is sending the update in groups, so some users might get it earlier than others. The update plan for OxygenOS 16 includes more OnePlus phones through December 2025 and into early 2026, so older or less expensive phones will get it later.
Overall, the OxygenOS 16 update on the OnePlus 12R is more than just a new look. It combines fresh design, AI tools for productivity, and better system performance to make everyday use smoother and more powerful. Most users will find multitasking, fluidity, and AI features better without changing how they normally use their phone.