vivo and iQOO are preparing a major leap forward in their software experience with the announcement of the Android 16-based OriginOS 6 Preview Program. For years, OriginOS was an exclusive feature for Chinese users, while global markets had to settle for Funtouch OS. That’s about to change: on October 10, OriginOS 6 will debut in China, followed by a global rollout starting October 15, including India. 
This marks a significant step toward unifying vivo’s software ecosystem across regions, and many fans have been waiting for this moment.
The first devices confirmed to ship with OriginOS 6 are the upcoming vivo X300 series and the iQOO 15. While a full rollout roadmap for older devices is not expected until next month, Indian users have something special to look forward to. Both vivo and iQOO have announced that Indian owners will get early access through the OriginOS 6 Preview Program, opening for registration on September 29. Slots will be limited, so those who sign up early will be among the first to test what the brands call their “smoothest Android experience yet.”
Interestingly, vivo India’s promotional posts used the #vivoXSeries tag, hinting that the preview may initially be restricted to X Series smartphones, with additional devices gaining access later. Meanwhile, iQOO India confirmed that the iQOO 13 will be the first iQOO model to join the beta, as revealed by Shankar Singh, DGM of Product Management at iQOO India. This signals a staggered rollout approach, starting with the flagship models before expanding to broader lineups.
For users outside China, this is more than just a software update – it’s the first taste of OriginOS after years of exclusivity. Unlike Funtouch OS, which often felt like a secondary option, OriginOS is vivo’s main design and software platform, with a stronger focus on customization, visual polish, and smoother animations. Its arrival in India and global markets shows vivo’s ambition to stand on equal footing with other Android heavyweights like Samsung’s One UI and Xiaomi’s HyperOS.
Still, questions remain: how quickly will older devices get the update? Will OriginOS 6 offer all its advanced features internationally, or will some functions remain exclusive to China due to local integrations? These details should become clearer once the Preview Program opens on September 29. Until then, anticipation is running high, especially among long-time vivo fans who believe the company could capture significant market share in Europe and other regions if it pushes OriginOS globally at full scale.
One thing is certain: October is shaping up to be a defining month for vivo and iQOO. If OriginOS 6 delivers on its promise of unmatched smoothness and seamless performance, it could finally close the gap between vivo’s domestic and international software strategies, and maybe even win over users who have long overlooked the brand outside of China.
1 comment
Signed up already, hope I get into the preview, the UI looks way smoother than Funtouch