OnePlus is reportedly removing its iconic Alert Slider from the upcoming OnePlus 13T. Known as a hallmark of OnePlus smartphones since their early days, the Alert Slider has long been a fan-favorite for its convenience in switching between silent, vibrate, and ring modes. Its removal marks a major design departure for the brand, but OnePlus seems to be compensating for this change with the introduction of a new iPhone-like feature aimed at enhancing user experience.
According to leaked renders and early reports from insider sources, the OnePlus 13T will replace the physical slider with an advanced software-based notification profile system — similar to Apple’s Focus Modes — allowing users to customize and automate their phone’s behavior based on time, location, and activity.
End of an Era: Alert Slider Removed
For years, OnePlus fans have proudly touted the Alert Slider as a defining feature of the brand’s hardware identity. Positioned along the side of the phone, the slider allowed users to quickly toggle between sound profiles without unlocking their device or navigating menus.
The decision to remove it in the OnePlus 13T has drawn mixed reactions. Some longtime users view the change as a loss of a unique hardware advantage, while others see it as a natural evolution in design and functionality, especially as the smartphone landscape becomes more software-driven.
Industry insiders suggest that space constraints and an increasingly modular internal layout played a role in the removal. With growing demand for larger batteries, better camera modules, and advanced cooling systems, something had to give — and unfortunately for loyalists, the slider didn’t make the cut this time.
A Smarter Notification Experience
To soften the blow of this hardware omission, OnePlus is introducing an intelligent notification and focus system inspired by iOS’s Focus Modes. This feature allows users to create custom profiles — for example, “Work,” “Sleep,” or “Driving” — each with its own rules for notifications, sound levels, app behavior, and even home screen layouts.
These profiles can be scheduled or triggered automatically based on context, such as time of day, connected devices (like your car or smartwatch), or location. While Android already allows for some notification customizations, OnePlus is reportedly building a deeper, more intuitive interface that integrates tightly with OxygenOS.
This new feature aligns with a broader trend in smartphone design — moving from manual toggles to intelligent, predictive behavior — and positions the OnePlus 13T as a smarter, more adaptable device.
Design and Hardware Highlights
Aside from the software changes, the OnePlus 13T is expected to bring significant upgrades in design and performance. Early renders suggest a sleek, minimalist frame with flat edges, resembling the modern iPhone aesthetic. The rear camera module is also being redesigned, possibly integrating Sony’s latest sensor technology for improved image clarity and low-light performance.
Under the hood, the device is rumored to pack the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. A larger 5,500mAh battery and faster 100W charging are also anticipated, building on OnePlus’s tradition of blazing-fast power delivery.
The display is likely to feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision support, and enhanced touch response for gaming and multimedia consumption.
Community Reactions and Market Expectations
Predictably, the reaction from the OnePlus community has been mixed. On forums and social media, some users have expressed disappointment over the loss of the Alert Slider, calling it a “step away from the original OnePlus identity.” Others, however, are optimistic about the new features, appreciating the focus on intelligent automation and improved software design.
Tech analysts believe that OnePlus is trying to strike a balance between its legacy user base and the broader premium smartphone market. By introducing iPhone-like features and streamlining the hardware design, the brand may be seeking to appeal to a wider audience, particularly users who value software-driven experiences.
With the OnePlus 13T, the brand is taking a bold leap forward by letting go of one of its most iconic features and embracing a more software-centric approach to user customization. The removal of the Alert Slider may disappoint traditionalists, but the addition of an intelligent focus mode system, along with top-tier hardware specs, shows that OnePlus remains committed to innovation and refinement. Whether this change pays off will ultimately be decided by users when the device hits the market later this year.