Despite the fact that OnePlus 15 became the iconic flagship of 2026, the company itself is going through tough times. A banner appeared on the official European OnePlus website that directly encourages brand fans to switch to OPPO products. This is yet another alarming signal that OnePlus is shutting down as an independent brand. Let’s break down what actually happened and whether device owners should take any action.

Should you buy OnePlus smartphones in 2026?

What’s Happening with OnePlus in 2026

On the European OnePlus website, a large banner was placed with the slogan “New technology, same feeling,” which encourages users to discover the OPPO product collection. When clicked, the user lands on a page where OnePlus explains: if you expect the familiar OnePlus speed and reliability from new devices, OPPO already has suitable models. In other words, the company is not suggesting you buy something like the OnePlus 15, but rather effectively switch to another brand’s products.

Below on the page, there is a gallery of OPPO smartphones and other devices. Clicking on any of them takes the OnePlus fan directly to the official OPPO online store. Just think about it: instead of announcing future OnePlus models, the site emphasizes that OPPO hardware is built on the same familiar hardware and software.

Is OnePlus Shutting Down or Not — An Honest Answer

A single banner alone is not a death sentence. But it fits into a chain of alarming signs: it was previously reported that OPPO is revising its OnePlus strategy in Europe and laying off employees. Against this backdrop, the suggestion to “buy an OPPO smartphone instead of OnePlus” reads not as a marketing campaign but as a soft migration of the audience to another brand.

It’s important to honestly draw the line: there has been no official announcement about OnePlus shutting down. All we have right now are indirect signals and journalists’ assessments. So it’s too early to talk about the complete disappearance of the brand, although fans certainly have more reasons to worry.

Where OnePlus Smartphones Are No Longer Sold

In the US, the scenario is different because OPPO smartphones are not officially sold there. Therefore, on the shelves where OnePlus devices used to stand, Nothing smartphones are now displayed — a brand founded by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei.

In the US, Nothing smartphones are already being offered instead of OnePlus

This further underscores that the company has different plans for different regions. There appears to be no single global future for the OnePlus brand: in Europe, buyers are being led to OPPO, while in the US, the shelves are being given to Nothing.

What Will Happen to OnePlus Smartphones in 2026

If you already own a OnePlus smartphone, there’s no reason to panic and urgently replace your device. The phone will continue to work, and there’s no mention of support being discontinued in the source. However, when choosing your next device, it’s worth considering a few things:

  • the future of global OnePlus releases is uncertain — it’s possible that new flagships will become rare outside of China;
  • if you specifically enjoy the signature OnePlus shell and approach, the closest replacement is OPPO devices built on similar hardware and software;
  • when buying a new smartphone from the brand now, it’s wise to check update timelines and warranty support in your region in advance.

The situation with the brand’s potential departure directly affects how long support will last and accessory availability, so it’s worth following the news before investing in a new model.

Will a Global Version of OnePlus 16 Be Released

Against the backdrop of all these signals, OnePlus 16 risks becoming a China-exclusive. This is still an assumption rather than official information, but the logic of what’s happening points precisely to this conclusion.

For the buyer, the takeaway is simple: if you were eyeing the next OnePlus flagship with expectations of official sales and support in your region, keep this risk in mind. It may be wiser to wait for a clear statement from the company rather than placing a pre-order blindly.