OnePlus to replace iconic alert slider with customizable smart button

OnePlus has announced plans to replace its iconic Alert Slider with a customizable smart button, as revealed by CEO Pete Lau in a recent community post. The Alert Slider, a hallmark feature of OnePlus flagship devices, has allowed users to swiftly adjust the sound profile without waking up their device. However, due to hardware limitations, the company believes it's time for an upgrade.

In his post, Pete Lau shared that while the Alert Slider has been his favorite feature and a symbol of thoughtful design, its single functionality has become a constraint. He explained that the slider's function is tied to its physical position, which prevented further customization options. After three years of exploration, the company is looking to introduce a more modern solution—a customizable smart button.

This new button will be programmable according to user preferences, offering a personalized experience. It will also help the company make better use of available space, explore new layouts, and introduce structural improvements to their devices.

While the specifics of how the new button will work and when it will be launched remain unclear, Lau invited community feedback and suggestions for additional functionalities. Users will still be able to use the smart button to change sound profiles, maintaining the core functionality of the Alert Slider.

The move follows in the footsteps of Apple, which introduced a similar shift in the iPhone 15 series by replacing its mute switch with an "Action Button," a feature that has now made its way into the iPhone 16 series.

For further updates and to share your feedback, OnePlus is encouraging its community to participate in the discussion.