For many long-time OnePlus users, the three-stage alert slider has been more than just a convenience—it’s been a symbol of what made the bra
nd stand out in a saturated Android market. It offered a quick, tactile way to toggle between Silent, Vibrate, and Ring, and became an icon of thoughtful hardware design.
But that legacy is about to change.
In a surprising and confirmed move, OnePlus has announced that the upcoming OnePlus 13 series will replace the alert slider with a brand-new "Plus" key. This change marks a major shift in the design philosophy of the brand—and could signal a broader strategy at play.
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| Plus Key |
In this article, we’ll explore:
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The confirmed removal of the alert slider
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What the new “Plus” key might offer
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Why OnePlus may have made this change
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What it means for fans, power users, and new adopters alike
II. Understanding the Change: Goodbye Alert Slider, Hello “Plus” Key
Official Confirmation: It's Real
OnePlus has officially confirmed that the OnePlus 13 will not feature the iconic alert slider. Instead, users will find a new physical button labeled the “Plus” key, marking a dramatic departure from the company's established design language.
While no complete hardware render has been revealed at the time of writing, early leaks and teasers suggest that the "Plus" key will be placed on the side frame, in the same general location previously occupied by the slider.
What the Alert Slider Represented
Introduced with the OnePlus 2, the alert slider gave users fast, haptic control over the device's sound profile:
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Silent Mode: All sounds off, including media and notifications
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Vibrate Mode: Media muted, notifications vibrate
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Ring Mode: Full alert functionality
It was a beloved feature for many Android enthusiasts—one of the few Android phones to offer something akin to the iPhone’s silent switch.
III. Speculating on the “Plus” Key’s Functionality: What Could It Do?
The term “Plus” implies addition, enhancement, or customization—unlike the alert slider, which served a very specific purpose.
Here are several possible functions and features the new Plus key might offer:
1. Customizable Shortcuts
The key may allow users to assign actions to single press, double press, or long press events—similar to Samsung’s Bixby or the iPhone’s Action Button.
Examples:
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Launching the camera
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Activating a voice recorder
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Taking a screenshot
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Starting a timer
2. AI Integration
Given the increasing push toward on-device AI, the Plus key might be tied to AI-based actions or assistants, such as:
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One-tap transcription
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Summarizing content on screen
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Smart suggestions based on context
3. Gaming Mode Activation
OnePlus could leverage the key to activate gaming mode, toggle performance profiles, or start screen recording for gameplay—a nod to its gaming-focused audience.
4. Context-Aware Controls
Imagine a key that adapts based on what you’re doing:
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In the camera app: Switch between lenses or modes
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While watching video: Toggle brightness or aspect ratio
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On a call: Mute or hold
5. Accessibility Features
The Plus key could be used to instantly activate accessibility tools like screen magnification, color correction, or reading mode.
6. Emergency Functions
Hold the key to trigger emergency SOS, share location, or call a designated contact—a function found in many flagship phones today.
7. OxygenOS Integration
We expect OnePlus to integrate the Plus key tightly with OxygenOS 14 (or 15). This could include a full customization menu with:
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Preset actions
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App shortcuts
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Scene-based behaviors
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Profiles for work, home, gaming, etc.
8. How It Stacks Up
Other phones with extra physical buttons provide a blueprint:
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iPhone 15 Pro: Action Button – customizable for multiple functions
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Samsung Galaxy XCover: Programmable key for push-to-talk or shortcuts
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ASUS ROG Phones: Shoulder buttons for gaming
The success of these implementations suggests OnePlus has room to create something truly versatile with the Plus key.
IV. Potential Reasons for the Change: Why Ditch the Slider?
The alert slider was widely praised—so why remove it? Here are some possible explanations:
1. Internal Space Optimization
Every square millimeter matters. Removing the slider could:
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Make room for a larger battery
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Allow for better thermal management
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Create space for new sensors or periscope cameras
2. New Hardware Needs
OnePlus might be planning innovative hardware features—perhaps under-display cameras, advanced haptics, or even satellite communication—that require a button over a switch.
3. Cost and Complexity
Although unlikely the main reason, sliders require more complex mechanical engineering than simple buttons. A streamlined button could be cheaper to produce and easier to water-seal.
4. Design Aesthetics
The slider, while useful, broke up the design flow of the phone’s side profile. Removing it allows for a cleaner, more modern look, possibly aligning with a minimalist trend.
5. Strategic Differentiation
The Plus key could become a new calling card for the OnePlus brand. A well-implemented smart button could set the 13 series apart from competitors in a fresh way.
V. Implications and User Reaction
A Divided Community?
This move is bound to spark debate. For OnePlus loyalists, losing the slider could feel like losing a piece of the brand's soul.
Social media reactions have already included:
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Disappointment from power users
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Optimism from those excited by potential customization
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Confusion from new users who never used the slider in the first place
Potential Benefits for New Users
Many users today prioritize personalization. A smart, multi-functional Plus key may offer more utility than a fixed three-mode switch—especially for non-tech-savvy users who never fully utilized the alert slider.
A Risk Worth Taking?
Removing a beloved feature is always risky. But if the Plus key delivers substantial added value, it could turn out to be a bold and forward-thinking decision.
OnePlus must ensure that software implementation matches the hardware ambition. If successful, this move could set a new trend among Android OEMs.
VI. Conclusion: A New Chapter for OnePlus
The OnePlus 13 series marks a major turning point in the company’s hardware philosophy. The removal of the alert slider and introduction of the "Plus" key represents more than just a design tweak—it’s a statement of intent.
While the tech community may be skeptical or sentimental about the loss of a signature feature, the true test lies in what the Plus key can deliver.
Will it be a gimmick or a game-changer?
That remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: OnePlus isn’t afraid to evolve.