The End of an Era: OnePlus Ditches Alert Slider for Programmable Button
The tech world is abuzz with the news that OnePlus, a brand renowned for its distinctive features and community-focused approach, is bidding farewell to one of its most iconic design elements: the alert slider. Following in the footsteps of Apple’s decision to eliminate the physical mute switch on the iPhone 15 Pro, OnePlus announced it would be phasing out the alert slider in its future flagship models, opting instead for a programmable button.
This decision marks a significant shift for OnePlus, a company that has long prided itself on offering a unique user experience within the Android ecosystem. The alert slider, a small switch located on the side of the phone, allowed users to quickly toggle between silent, vibrate, and ring modes without unlocking their device. It became a signature feature, instantly recognizable and highly valued by OnePlus enthusiasts who appreciated its simplicity and tactile convenience.
The announcement, delivered via a forum post penned by OnePlus co-founder Pete Lau, aims to provide context and rationale behind the controversial decision. Lau explains that the move is driven by a desire to optimize internal space, explore innovative design layouts, and enhance the overall structural integrity of future devices, while maintaining peak performance.
While the post doesn’t delve into the specifics of the programmable button’s design or functionality, it promises a future-ready and intuitive user experience. OnePlus emphasizes the button’s adaptability, suggesting it will be customizable to cater to individual user preferences and workflows. The company claims the button will empower users to tailor their phone’s functionality to their specific needs, whether they are power users seeking advanced controls or those who prefer a more streamlined approach.
However, the news has been met with considerable disappointment and resistance from the OnePlus community. The alert slider has long been considered a core element of the OnePlus DNA, differentiating it from competitors like Samsung and Google Pixel. Many users have expressed concern that removing the slider will diminish the brand’s unique identity and erode the features that initially drew them to OnePlus.
The forum post has been flooded with comments from disgruntled users who lament the loss of the alert slider. One user aptly captures the sentiment of many, stating, "No. I disagree with this change, @Pete, as the alert slider is the iconic piece for OnePlus. I love how I can tell if my phone is in a mode by just looking at it, and I want to keep it that way." This sentiment underscores the practicality and ease of use that the alert slider provided, allowing users to quickly and discreetly assess their phone’s audio mode at a glance.
This isn’t the first time OnePlus has faced backlash over the alert slider. In 2022, the company removed the slider from its OnePlus 10T model, sparking outrage among loyal fans. While OnePlus has not yet specified when the change will take effect, the prospect of losing the alert slider in future flagship releases has ignited a wave of nostalgia and apprehension within the community.
There are speculations circulating regarding the potential return of the "T" variant with the OnePlus 13T, but nothing has been officially confirmed. Interestingly, Oppo, OnePlus’s parent company overseas, continues to incorporate the alert slider in its flagship devices, including the recently unveiled Find N5 foldable phone. This discrepancy raises questions about the long-term strategy of both brands and the rationale behind diverging design choices.
The news also squashes rumors of an imminent foldable phone from OnePlus, at least for the current year. This leaves Oppo as the primary player in the foldable market within the BBK Electronics umbrella, which includes both OnePlus and Oppo.
Despite the negative reactions, OnePlus’s decision to provide advance notice of the change has been viewed by some as a positive step. This allows users to process the news and voice their opinions before a device with the new button mechanism is released. The company’s promise that the button will adapt to the user and not the other way around has also generated a flicker of hope, although many remain skeptical about whether a programmable button can truly replicate the simplicity and intuitiveness of the alert slider.
Ultimately, the success of OnePlus’s new programmable button will depend on its implementation and the degree to which it can be customized to meet the needs of diverse users. The company faces the challenge of convincing its loyal fanbase that this change is not a step backward but rather an evolution that will enhance the overall user experience. Whether OnePlus can effectively address the concerns of its community and deliver a compelling alternative to the alert slider remains to be seen. The future of OnePlus design is at a crossroads, and the choices the company makes in the coming months will determine whether it can retain its distinct identity while embracing new technologies and design paradigms. The tech world watches with bated breath to see if OnePlus can truly deliver on its promise of a future-ready and incredibly intuitive button.
