The OnePlus 6 launch has played out like the tech enthusiast Cinderella story of 2018. OnePlus’ latest flagship has wowed consumers by offering a premium level device that isn’t teetering the $1000 threshold. The company also offers a fans first experience that has been lost on larger brands. This helped it sell over 1 million OnePlus 6 handsets in less than one month after its May 22 release.
OnePlus is preparing to expand its influence in the smartphone market, which could quickly take it from an underdog favorite to a household name. Here’s what the company has planned.
Two-year software update commitment
OnePlus is promising users two years of Android software updates for devices including the OnePlus 3, OnePlus 3T, OnePlus 5, OnePlus 5T and OnePlus 6. This means the recently launched OnePlus 6 should see Android updates until 2020. The OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T will likely be eligible for a final update to Android P later this year, while the OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T may have update support until the end of 2019.
The OnePlus 6 is already apart of Google’s beta program to test the upcoming Android P software, so users can get a taste of Android’s latest features way ahead of its official release.
The company also announced plans to provide up to three years of security software support, which will likely focus on the OnePlus 6 and future OnePlus devices.
Carrier Availability
OnePlus has been able to do what few internationally-focused smartphone brands have achieved. It has garnered a dedicated consumer following in the US without carrier affiliation. In addition to online availability, OnePlus hosts several fan-focused pop-up shops and events where consumers can purchase its latest products. The brand also has a thriving online community where fans can share input that could become features on future OnePlus device models.
OnePlus recently told PC Mag of its plans to collaborate with US carriers to expand the availability of its smartphones. While the company has not shared details about which networks may offer OnePlus devices, AT&T and T-Mobile could be the obvious frontrunners as GSM networks. Unlocked OnePlus smartphones are already compatible with these carriers.
DroidLife noted that support on Verizon would be highly favored among OnePlus fans. With T-Mobile and Sprint’s merger moving forward, Sprint could also be a good option as a OnePlus seller.
The manufacturer insists it will continue its efforts to maintain a near-stock Android user experience for its devices and that carrier supported models won’t be bogged down with bloatware.
Barring any government interference similar to what rival manufacturers, including Huawei and ZTE have experienced, carrier support would be an extremely good look for the brand.
5G Support
Future OnePlus devices may also be among the first to feature 5G support in the US. As reports indicate the first 5G adoption may be available in the Philippines in mid-2019, OnePlus may soon follow thanks to its collaboration with Qualcomm. The chipmaker also has a 2019 pipeline for deploying 5G via its components.
OnePlus may be in a good position with Qualcomm as a major component supplier. Where many other smartphone makers are also developing proprietary components to enable 5G technology, OnePlus is more product focused and has left the heavy lifting to the experts. Brands including Huawei, Samsung and Apple are aiming to shift away from collaborating with Qualcomm. This could leave OnePlus in a good position to continue winning certain exclusivities, such as when the OnePlus 5 was the first smartphone to run the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chip.
OnePlus devices with a solid software schedule, carrier and availability and 5G support could be a force to be reckoned with in the fight for US consumer dollars.
