OnePlus has announced it will be discontinuing its iconic Alert Slider, a feature that has been part of its smartphones since 2015. This feature, which allowed users to quickly toggle between silent, vibrate, and ring modes, has been a hallmark of OnePlus devices, providing a unique and convenient way to manage notifications. However, the company has decided to phase it out from future models, citing shifting priorities and user feedback.
In a recent community post, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau explained that while the Alert Slider had been a beloved feature for many users, it had limited functionality and didn’t align with the evolving design and feature needs of modern smartphones. The company has received consistent feedback suggesting that users want more customizable control options. To address this, OnePlus plans to replace the Alert Slider with a new, customizable button that will maintain its core functionality while offering additional features for greater user flexibility.
The decision marks a significant change for OnePlus, especially given that the Alert Slider was only removed from the OnePlus 10T in 2022, and later brought back in 2023 in response to fan demand. Despite the discontinuation of the feature, OnePlus is focused on improving the user experience with more adaptable hardware and software elements.
Rumors suggest that OnePlus, along with its parent company Oppo, is working on a new “smart button” that will serve as a customizable alternative to the Alert Slider. This button, possibly referred to as the “Rubik’s Cube key,” will reportedly debut on Oppo’s Find X8 Ultra before eventually making its way to OnePlus devices, starting with the OnePlus 14 series.
