Will OnePlus be disbanded?
Striking news about OnePlus. According to an article by Android Headlines, Oppo is reportedly planning to 'dismantle' OnePlus. The source leaves open what is meant by 'dismantling'. Both parties belong to parent company BKK. The information shared by Android Headlines reportedly comes from employees and ex-employees of OnePlus in the US, Europe and India. Oppo and OnePlus have been working together for some time. Although Oppo uses ColorOS and OnePlus uses OxygenOS, the skins match almost one to one. Also, the companies work together in other areas.
It is notable that this news is now going around again. Two years ago, reports were already circulating that OnePlus would leave the European market. Now, according to reports, there seems to be something else going on. According to the source, the evidence is overwhelming. Sales are plummeting, headquarters are being closed without notice, partnerships are being terminated (such as with Hasselblad) and Western teams are being reduced to minimum staffing levels. Several products would also be cancelled, such as the OnePlus Open 2 (as a successor to the OnePlus Open) and the compact OnePlus 15s. All decisions would be made from China, with no regional offices coming up with strategies yet. Reportedly, 20 per cent fewer OnePlus handsets were sold in the year 2024.
Demand for OnePlus handsets would be weak in North America and Europe. India and China are said to account for 74 per cent of OnePlus deliveries. Criticism circulating in the corridors is that OnePlus is no longer the "Bang for the buck" brand and lacks distinctive key-features. Former co-founder Carl Pei left the brand in 2020 to start the company Nothing.
Reaction
The Indian and US branches of OnePlus have since responded to the reports. They confirm that OnePlus will remain fully operational. Commitments to support and software updates also remain as usual. The company denies that the brand is being dismantled. The response is as follows:
OnePlus North America: "OnePlus North America remains operational and guarantees users full post-purchase support, software updates and rights compliance."
OnePlus India: "Recent unverified reports that OnePlus would close are false. OnePlus India's business operations will continue as usual. We urge all concerned to verify information through official sources before sharing unsubstantiated claims."
Realme
OnePlus is not the only Oppo brand to feel the other wind blowing. Recently, Oppo announced that it was merging with Realme, minimising its R&D department and also cutting staff numbers. Previously an independent company, Realme is now seen as a sub-brand of Oppo. The brand is said to be facing financial problems.
