OnePlus is making a significant design shift by removing its signature alert slider in favor of a customizable button, similar to the one seen on the upcoming iPhone 16. This change, confirmed by OnePlus CEO Pete Lau via a community post on Monday, marks the end of an era for a feature that has been a hallmark of OnePlus smartphones since the OnePlus 2.
The alert slider, a physical switch that allows users to toggle between silent, vibrate, and ring modes, has been one of OnePlus’ defining features. It provided a quick and convenient way to adjust sound profiles without having to unlock the phone or navigate settings. While it was a staple in most OnePlus flagships, the brand did omit it from certain models, including the OnePlus 10T, which sparked backlash from loyal fans. Responding to the criticism, OnePlus brought back the alert slider in subsequent flagship devices. However, the upcoming OnePlus 13 series and Nord 4 are expected to be the last OnePlus phones to feature this beloved component.
OnePlus’ decision to replace the slider with a button is believed to be inspired by Apple’s Action Button, introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro and set to become a standard feature across the iPhone 16 lineup. Unlike the fixed functionality of the alert slider, this new button will reportedly be customizable, allowing users to assign different functions based on their preferences. Potential uses could include launching apps, activating Do Not Disturb mode, controlling camera functions, or triggering shortcuts.
While the shift to a customizable button aligns with modern smartphone trends, it remains to be seen how OnePlus fans will react to the departure of the alert slider. Many long-time users have praised the slider for its ease of use and reliability, making its removal a controversial move. However, OnePlus is betting on added versatility to win over its customer base.
As the OnePlus 13 series approaches its expected launch later this year, more details about the button’s capabilities and software integration are likely to emerge. Whether this change will be welcomed or resisted remains a key question for OnePlus’ future flagship designs.
