Oxygen OS 15 - No. It's Not an iOS Clone!

Introduction

Oxygen OS 15 and its latest features offer noteworthy improvements that deserve a closer look. While some elements may feel inspired by Apple's iOS 18, Oxygen OS 15 also incorporates unique enhancements that belong distinctly to its platform. This article delves into the major updates categorized as original, inspired, and improved—highlighting how OnePlus has managed to innovate in the competitive landscape of mobile operating systems.

Live Activities and Dynamic Island

A major addition in both iOS 18 and Oxygen OS 15 is the implementation of live activities, which allows users to view real-time alerts from certain apps at the top screen. OnePlus has taken this feature a step further by allowing users to choose between tapping to expand the card or opening the app directly. Notably, if two supported apps are added as Live Alerts, tapping on them creates an expanded stack featuring both alerts. This flexibility showcases how Oxygen OS 15 has improved on existing ideas rather than merely replicating them.

Smoother Animations: Parallel Animations

The moment you start using Oxygen OS 15, the first noticeable aspect is smoother and faster animations. Dubbed as "parallel animations," this feature ensures seamless transitions between opening and closing multiple apps. This improvement enhances overall user experience, making Oxygen OS 15 feel exceptionally fluid compared to both its predecessor, Oxygen OS 14, and even other operating systems, including iOS.

Enhanced Always-On Display and Lock Screen

Oxygen OS 15 also sees significant upgrades in Always-On Display (AOD) and the lock screen. The new flux themes elegantly combine various design elements. However, the limitation of pre-defined text for customization could be a drawback, as most provided quotes may not resonate with all users.

Quick Settings and Design Updates

Quick settings have received a split-screen mode upgrade, which enhances usability and aligns with trends seen in iOS and other Android skins. The design itself has a softer look with updated icons that feel contemporary. However, stable elements like the widget pages and app drawer remain unchanged.

The "Share with iPhone" feature is a noteworthy original addition. It enables file sharing between OnePlus and iOS devices through a QR code process. While slightly complex, it demonstrates OnePlus’s initiative to bridge the gap between ecosystems.

AI Feature Enhancements

OnePlus has ramped up its AI capabilities across various applications, particularly in the photos app. Features like AI unblur, AI eraser for reflections, and AI detail boost ensure that users can optimize their photos effectively. This is where Oxygen OS 15 creates a substantial impact, blending inspiration from iOS while offering improved functionalities.

Conclusion

Oxygen OS 15 is packed with features that enhance user experience while drawing inspiration from its competitors. Yet, it successfully carves out its unique identity by improving existing functionalities and adding original features. We encourage you to explore these upgrades further—what are your thoughts on Oxygen OS 15? Is it a true innovation or simply a derivative?

Keywords

Oxygen OS 15
iOS 18
Live activities
Dynamic Island
Parallel animations
Always-On Display
OnePlus Connect
AI features

FAQ

1. What are the key new features in Oxygen OS 15?
Oxygen OS 15 introduces live activities, enhanced animations, improved Always-On Display, split-screen quick settings, and AI functionalities for photos.

2. How does the live activities feature differ from iOS?
Oxygen OS 15 allows users to choose between tapping to expand an alert or directly opening the app, providing additional flexibility.

3. Are the animation improvements significant in Oxygen OS 15?
Yes, the "parallel animations" feature significantly enhances the fluidity and speed of app transitions, making for a smoother overall user experience.

4. Is Oxygen OS 15 influenced heavily by iOS?
While there are noticeable inspirations from iOS, Oxygen OS 15 brings many original and improved features that distinguish it from iOS.

5. Can I share files between OnePlus devices and iPhones?
Yes, Oxygen OS 15 includes a "Share with iPhone" feature, although it requires a few extra steps including a QR code and installing an app on the iPhone.