OxygenOS 16 to Launch with Deep Google Gemini AI Integration

OnePlus is preparing to launch OxygenOS 16, its next major software skin based on Android 16, and it seems the company is doubling down on artificial intelligence.

The biggest highlight teased so far is the much deeper integration with Google’s Gemini AI. While OnePlus has not yet announced an exact release date, the teasers suggest that the rollout is just around the corner.

According to OnePlus’ official teaser, OxygenOS 16 will allow Gemini to connect directly with the brand’s own Mind Space feature, effectively turning the AI into a central assistant across the phone’s ecosystem. Instead of simply being a standalone app, Gemini will now work hand in hand with OnePlus’ native tools – from planners and task managers to other built-in utilities – creating what the company describes as “your planner, assistant, and manager all in one.”

This level of integration isn’t exclusive to OnePlus, as other Android manufacturers have also begun giving Gemini access to their core apps to make the AI more context-aware and genuinely useful. For OnePlus users, this means that the data stored in Mind Space – your notes, schedules, reminders, and personal context – can directly inform Gemini’s responses, making it possible for the AI to handle more complex tasks. Imagine asking Gemini not just for general weather updates, but for reminders that tie into your work calendar, or suggesting travel options based on meetings saved in Mind Space.

However, not everyone is excited. While some see AI integration as the natural next step in making smartphones smarter, others worry about Google’s presence growing even more inside devices. Critics argue that users who prefer privacy-first alternatives like GrapheneOS may see this as just another reason to avoid big-brand Android skins. Some users even admit to disabling Google apps entirely upon setup, while others reluctantly concede that Gemini’s potential might actually be worth trying out. The division reflects a broader trend in the Android community: excitement about AI-driven convenience, tempered by ongoing concerns about privacy and corporate control.

For now, the main question is when OxygenOS 16 will actually arrive. Since Android 16 itself launched back in June, OnePlus fans are growing impatient. If the company can deliver both timely updates and genuinely useful AI integration, OxygenOS 16 could set a new bar for how smartphone AI assistants fit into our daily lives.