OnePlus May Not Deliver The Promised Oreo 8.1 Update To OnePlus 3/3T

Whenever OnePlus has to release an update—whether it's upgrading the Android version or adding new features—it has to go through three channels: Closed Beta, Open Beta and Official Release. OxygenOS builds classified as Closed Beta are made available to only a handful of testers, whereas the Open Beta and Official Releases can be accessed by anyone.

In an Ask-Me-Anything session last year, OnePlus promised to update the OP3 and OP3T to Oreo 8.1. Two weeks ago, OnePlus said that it would soon be releasing the final OxygenOS Open Beta builds for the OP3 and OP3T. Keeping in mind OnePlus' promise and that Android version updates will first go through the Open Beta channel before the Official Release, we expected the Open Beta builds to be based on Android 8.1. However, the builds that were released earlier today are based on Oreo 8.0 - the Android version OP3/3T currently run. Since there won't be anymore Open Beta builds, it seems unlikely that OP3 and OP3T will get Oreo 8.1.

Additionally, OnePlus revamped the OxygenOS user interface with recent Open Beta builds for the OP5 and OP5T. The updated user interface is not present in the latest Open Betas for OP3 and OP3T. This further suggests that OnePlus won't be bringing any new features to its 2016 flagships, let alone Android version updates.

This isn't the first time OnePlus is breaking its word. The company promised the Nougat upgrade for OP2 and then backed away. The official Oreo 8.1 update might not come along, but if you want to try out Android 8.1 on your OP3/3T, you can give custom ROMs a shot. Official builds of LineageOS 15.1 are available for the OP3/3T. The strict standards of LineageOS mean that the ROM builds are extremely stable. In addition to LineageOS, there are a number of other ROMs and mods (such as the Google Camera mod) available for OP3/3T on the XDA forums.

Krittin Kalra

Krittin Kalra is a 20 year old Android freak. Striving for passions, chasing down his dreams and living a life without regrets is his sole mantra. A bit moody, he also does custom ROM reviews for AndroGuider. Currently pursuing his B.Tech, he aspires to follow his heart.