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OnePlus Launcher update gives older phones a taste of Oxygen OS 11
- The default Oxygen OS 11 launcher can now be installed on OnePlus’ Android 10 phones.
- OnePlus Launcher 5 brings a redesigned Shelf and new search shortcuts.
- Phones supported include the OnePlus 6, 7, and Nord lines.
OnePlus has dragged its feet when providing updates to its older flagships. The company has yet to push stable Android 11 builds to the likes of the OnePlus 7T. But it’s now set to serve hungry users a starter before it ships the main course.
As spotted by Android Police, OnePlus is making the Oxygen OS 11 launcher — namely version 5.0.2.4 — available to phones still running Android 10-based Oxygen OS 10. It’s an update that will give older OnePlus phones a temporary gloss coat as they await their next major OS update.
In terms of features, don’t expect the full roll of Android 11-specific improvements to make the cut. There’s no Google Discover support just yet, but users can enjoy a new-look Shelf and a handful of new search gestures in the meantime. Have a look at the tweaks to the former below.
While the polished UI may seem a welcome improvement, recent OnePlus Launcher reviews on the Play Store suggest otherwise. Recent reviews are calling the changes “horrible” and “awful”, lamenting the lack of Shelf customizability the former version of the launcher offered.
OnePlus Launcher 5: Supported devices
It’s not a mandatory update though, and the phones supported currently include those running Android 10. This includes the OnePlus 6 series, the OnePlus 6T line, the OnePlus 7 and 7T series, and the original OnePlus Nord. According to a spokesperson quoted by Android Police, the Nord N10 and Nord N100 will also be added to this list later this week.
As for when stable Android 11 builds will grace these devices, users may still have a long wait on their hands. OnePlus confirmed its roadmap for Android 11 earlier this month and has since pushed Oxygen OS 11 beta builds to the OnePlus 7, 7T, and Nord. The OnePlus 6 and 6T, in addition to the Nord N10 and N100, have yet to gain the latest version of Android in any capacity.
If you’re one of the unfortunate users still rocking Android 10 but want to experience some of that Oxygen OS 11 love, you can download the new OnePlus Launcher via the button below.