OxygenOS 16 rolls out to OnePlus 12R with fresh design and AI upgrades

OnePlus has officially commenced the rollout of its OxygenOS 16 update, based on Android 16, for the OnePlus 12R. This places the device at the forefront of the company's global upgrade schedule, with the rollout initially starting in India before expanding to additional markets in the upcoming weeks. The announcement was made via OnePlus's official community forum, aligning with a previously released global timeline that indicated the 12R would be among the first smartphones to receive OxygenOS 16 in November 2025. Following this update, older models are anticipated to receive the upgrade from December through early 2026. OxygenOS 16 introduces a fresh Liquid Glass aesthetic, featuring cleaner icons, smoother transitions, and a more cohesive appearance across menus and system applications. OnePlus emphasizes that enhancements in haptic feedback and system animations contribute to a more fluid and responsive navigation experience. The update comes equipped with OnePlus’s “Plus Mind” suite, which includes AI-driven utilities designed to increase productivity and simplify everyday tasks. The OnePlus 12R also benefits from improved multitasking capabilities, featuring an upgraded Smart Sidebar, enhanced floating window controls, and more reliable split-screen functionality. Additionally, app resizing and context switching have been optimized for a seamless workflow. On the technical side, this update boosts memory management, optimizes background processes, and enhances system stability during intensive tasks. The updated privacy framework in Android 16 introduces more detailed permission settings and clearer indicators for location and app access. While there are no exclusive new camera features for the 12R, users can look forward to smoother transitions between modes and enhancements to image processing algorithms. These improvements typically accompany major releases of OxygenOS and are aimed at increasing overall camera reliability. As the rollout of OxygenOS 16 continues over the next few months, the OnePlus 12R is leading the way in experiencing this revamped software.