OnePlus, a well-known smartphone brand, has recently announced a significant change regarding one of its hallmark features—the Alert Slider. This feature, which allows users to quickly switch between the phone’s sound profiles, will be removed in future models, as confirmed by Pete Lau, OnePlus’ CEO, in a post on the company’s community forums.
The Alert Slider has been a part of OnePlus devices since 2015, starting with the OnePlus 2. This three-position switch lets users easily toggle between ring, vibrate, and silent modes. The only major device to lack this feature was the OnePlus 10T, which saw the Slider reinstated in subsequent models like the OnePlus 11. Recently, other brands, including Oppo, have also embraced this feature in their smartphones, evident in models like the Find N5 folding phone.
According to Lau, the removal of the Alert Slider is a move designed to benefit users by replacing it with a new customizable button. This button is intended to adapt to the individual needs of users, potentially changing its function while preserving the ability to switch sound profiles. Lau emphasized that this innovation aims to enhance the smartphone experience, making it more tailored to user preferences.
In his statement, he described the planned button as one that could learn and adjust based on how users engage with their devices. This adaptability is meant to provide a more personalized interaction, which could appeal to both enthusiasts and those who prefer a simpler interface. The goal is for the new button to fit seamlessly into users’ lifestyles.
One question many users may have after this announcement involves the capability of changing sound settings without unlocking the phone. Lau reassured users that this functionality will remain intact, stressing the importance of providing quick and easy access to modify sound profiles—a feature he deemed non-negotiable.
While the exact timeline for when this change will take place is unclear, there are indications that the new button could debut soon. Speculation suggests a smaller model, referred to as the “OnePlus 13T,” may launch in April, followed by a new series of devices shortly thereafter. However, the next flagship device won’t arrive until later this year, and there are no immediate plans for a foldable model.
As OnePlus transitions away from the Alert Slider, it raises questions about how this shift will be received among its dedicated user base. The Alert Slider has long been a distinctive feature that many users appreciate for its functionality and ease of use. Despite the changes, the introduction of a versatile button designed for personalized use holds promise for enhancing the smartphone experience.
In summation, OnePlus is moving ahead with this significant redesign, aiming for smarter and more user-friendly devices. The company’s commitment to maintaining essential functionalities aligns with its goal of evolving the smartphone into a more personalized companion for every user. As the technology landscape continues to shift, OnePlus appears determined to stay at the forefront of innovation while addressing the needs of its customers.