OnePlus is reportedly ditching its iconic Alert Slider, a hardware switch that has been a staple of its phones since the OnePlus 2 in 2015. The Alert Slider allowed users to quickly switch between sound profiles – silent, vibrate, and ring – without unlocking their devices. However, recent reports suggest that the upcoming OnePlus 13s will replace it with a new, customizable button, potentially named the "Plus Key".
The Rise of the "Plus Key"
The decision to replace the Alert Slider comes after years of internal debate and user feedback. While the Alert Slider was praised for its simplicity and convenience, it lacked customizability. OnePlus CEO Pete Lau explained that the Alert Slider's function was "locked to its physical position, meaning it can't be reprogrammed or expanded without losing its simplicity". This limitation prompted OnePlus to explore a more adaptable solution.
The "Plus Key" is designed to offer greater customization and enhanced functionality. While specific details are still emerging, it is expected to function as an alert slider by default, allowing users to switch between sound profiles. However, it will also be programmable, enabling users to assign various actions to it based on their preferences.
Possible Functionality
The "Plus Key" could potentially serve as a dedicated camera shutter, a flashlight toggle, a translation shortcut, or even an AI assistant trigger. It is still unclear whether OnePlus will allow full customization of the button or limit it to predefined functions, similar to Apple's Action Button.
OnePlus is hinting that the "Plus Key" will become smarter over time. Thanks to AI integration in OxygenOS, the button is expected to learn user patterns and eventually offer personalized suggestions, evolving into a mini personal assistant.
Design and Placement
The "Plus Key" is expected to be positioned on the left side of the device, similar to the Action Button on the iPhone 16 series. This placement allows for easy access and convenient one-handed operation.
OnePlus 13s: A Compact Flagship
The OnePlus 13s is expected to be a compact flagship device, potentially a rebranded version of the OnePlus 13T that launched in China. It is rumored to sport a 6.32-inch display, making it the smallest model in the OnePlus 13 series. The phone is also expected to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and may come with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.
Other expected features of the OnePlus 13s include:
Community Response
The decision to remove the Alert Slider has been met with mixed reactions from the OnePlus community. While some users appreciate the potential for greater customization, others are disappointed to see the departure of a beloved feature. OnePlus is actively seeking feedback from its user base to shape the final functionality of the "Plus Key," underscoring its commitment to community-driven design.
The shift from the Alert Slider to the "Plus Key" represents OnePlus's effort to evolve its devices and offer more personalized experiences. While the Alert Slider will be missed by some, the "Plus Key" has the potential to be a more versatile and intelligent tool, adapting to the individual needs of each user.
