The Hidden Truth About OnePlus Updates: What You Need to Know
Picture this scenario: you’ve just purchased a vehicle, and the dealership assures you of a 5-year warranty. Sounds appealing, doesn’t it? However, upon closer inspection, you discover that the actual coverage is only four years because one of those years was spent on the lot. This situation could leave anyone feeling misled. In a similar vein, OnePlus appears to be navigating some murky waters with its software update policies.
Recent insights from Droid-Life reveal that OnePlus considers the initial software version included with devices as part of their update count. Particularly for the OnePlus 13 model—launched with Android 15 already installed—it seems that what they advertise as four years of Android OS updates actually translates into only three meaningful upgrades.
Initially, many users believed that under this four-year guarantee, the OnePlus 13 would receive consecutive updates through to Android 19—Android versions sixteen through nineteen seemed like a reasonable expectation. Nonetheless, OnePlus has since clarified its policy stating that pre-installed software is treated as one completed upgrade. Consequently, owners of the OnePlus 13 can realistically expect support up until Android 18 at most. Further updates may occur at OnePlus’s discretion but are not guaranteed beyond this point.
While it’s understandable for companies to maintain specific policies regarding their products, such transparency would benefit both them and consumers alike—especially given many shared interpretations prior to this clarification. For instance, launching in early 2025 with Android 14 while having had access to Android 15 for months makes an unsatisfactory impression.
A Comparative Outlook
This approach starkly contrasts manufacturers like Google whose Pixel line-up allows for seamless updates without counting pre-installed software in their tally. Google’s clear-cut policies lead consumers to have realistic expectations about upgrade timelines and enhance overall customer trust.