Other Apple-like features in OxygenOS 16 include a Control Center-looking Quick Settings menu, lock screen widgets with what seems to be a Live Activities clone, and an App Drawer settings that groups all your software into categories.
It seems as though OnePlus is pushing to make its phones more like an iPhone than any Android phone has a right to be — and that includes adding limited Apple Watch support. Yes, you heard that right, OnePlus's upcoming Android 16 update will add support for Apple's wearables (via 9to5Google).
It's fair to say that none of us actually saw that coming. And I'd like to be there with the popcorn when Apple realizes.
OnePlus has just revealed our first look at its OxygenOS 16 update, which should arrive alongside OnePlus 15. It comes with a new "breath" design language, which looks almost the same as iOS. There's no beating around the bush here; it's another example of a rival phone maker copying Apple's homework.
Admittedly, though, OnePlus hasn't made the mistake of copying Liquid Glass. As much as I dislike Android phone makers copying iOS, I can be happy that OnePlus hasn't mimicked what is easily one of the most controversial aspects of iOS 26.
Other Apple-like features in OxygenOS 16 include a Control Center-looking Quick Settings menu, lock screen widgets with what seems to be a Live Activities clone, and an App Drawer settings that groups all your software into categories — just like Apple.
I can't comment fully, since I haven't actually used OxygenOS 16, but I definitely don't like where this is going. Part of the reason why I don't typically use iPhones is the software — so I don't like the idea of Android morphing into something indistinguishable from iOS. Not to mention the fact that we shouldn't want all our phones to look the same.
Apple is Apple, and trying to emulate it probably isn't going to change many minds. Adding the Apple Watch into the mix is just the icing on the cake.
Apple Watch support? How is that going to work?
If you go out and buy an Apple Watch right now, your only option is to pair it with an iPhone. There's been no getting around that requirement, even if you own other Apple products like an iPad. The Apple Watch is completely iPhone-based, and that's clearly how Apple likes it.
But OnePlus claims that it will allow users to pair their Apple Watch to a OnePlus phone through the OHealth app. Apparently, this will enable notifications, messaging, phone call support, and sync your exercise records.
So it's not the full Apple Watch experience, and arguably less than you'd get with an Android-friendly smartwatch. But it's still something you will be able to do, assuming you have the dying need to pair an Apple wearable with a OnePlus phone.
It is not entirely clear whether you can set up the Apple Watch with a OnePlus, or if you'll need an iPhone to get the watch up and running — which would render this feature almost completely pointless. We'll also have to wait and see what Apple does in the meantime, and whether OnePlus is exploiting a loophole that can be closed up.
As we saw when developers used loopholes to bring iMessage support to Android phones, Apple does not like it when you try and force open cracks in the walled garden. So don't expect this particular feature to stay around forever.
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