According to GSM Arena, OnePlus has officially started rolling out the stable OxygenOS 16 update based on Android 16 to the OnePlus 12. The rollout is beginning specifically with units purchased in India, with the company promising expansion to more regions soon. The new build for Indian devices is identified as CPH2573_16.0.0.201(EX01) and features what’s described as an “endless” changelog. As with previous updates, this is being distributed in batches rather than all at once. If you own an Indian OnePlus 12 and haven’t received the notification yet, the update will likely arrive within the next few days. This marks one of the first major Android version updates for OnePlus’s current flagship device.
The Gradual Rollout Game
Here’s the thing about OnePlus’s update strategy – they almost always start with India. And there’s a good reason for that. India represents one of their largest and most loyal markets. By starting there, they can catch any major bugs before the update hits more critical markets like Europe and North America. It’s basically a controlled beta test with their most forgiving audience. The batch rollout approach also prevents disaster scenarios where a buggy update bricks thousands of devices simultaneously. Smart, right?
What This Update Really Means
Now, Android 16 is still relatively fresh in the grand scheme of things. For OnePlus to be pushing it to their flagship this quickly shows they’re serious about update speed. But let’s be real – most users won’t notice dramatic changes day-to-day. The bigger story is what this says about OnePlus’s software commitment. They’re trying to shed that “always behind” reputation they developed in recent years. Getting major Android versions to current flagships quickly is table stakes in the premium Android space these days.
The Competitive Timing
So why now? Well, we’re heading into that period where people start thinking about upgrading their phones. By getting Android 16 out there, OnePlus can market the 12 as “current” rather than “soon to be updated.” It’s a subtle psychological advantage against competitors who might be dragging their feet. The update also comes just as you can find the OnePlus 12 at various retailers like Amazon Germany, another German listing, and Amazon UK. Perfect timing to sway those on the fence.
What Comes Next
The real test will be how quickly this rolls out to other regions. OnePlus says “soon,” but that could mean anything from days to weeks. Meanwhile, if you want to dive into the nitty-gritty details, the official OnePlus community thread has the full changelog. The bigger question is whether this smooth rollout will set a precedent for their other devices. If they can maintain this pace across their lineup, they might actually become known for timely updates rather than just promising them.
