OnePlus Bids Farewell to Iconic Alert Slider with OnePlus 13T Launch
In a bold move signaling the end of an era, OnePlus has officially phased out its iconic Alert Slider with the launch of the OnePlus 13T. A staple feature since the OnePlus 2 in 2015, the Alert Slider allowed users to seamlessly toggle between sound profiles with a simple flick — a fan-favorite for its tactile convenience and simplicity.
But now, it’s gone.
Enter the Smart Button: A New Age of Customization
Replacing the slider is a new “customizable smart button,” ushering in a future-oriented approach to smartphone interaction. Unlike the Alert Slider, which served a single purpose, the smart button offers a wide range of programmable options. Users can now set it to launch apps, toggle the flashlight, activate translation tools, or even create custom shortcuts — redefining what one physical button can do.
OnePlus leadership emphasized that this change stems from both technological limitations and evolving user behavior. The old slider, while beloved, was rigid in function. The smart button, on the other hand, reflects a modern push toward personalization and functionality.
A Nostalgic Goodbye… or a Welcome Change?
The response has been split. Long-time fans mourn the loss of a feature that made OnePlus phones stand out in a crowded market. Many admired the mechanical feel and intuitive design. However, others — including former company co-founder Carl Pei — argue the slider was underused. In his words, “most people never use it,” sparking a heated debate among loyalists.
Yet, there’s an undeniable sense that OnePlus is looking ahead rather than clinging to nostalgia.
Following Industry Footsteps, Yet Carving Its Own Path
This move echoes a larger trend in the smartphone world. Apple introduced its customizable Action Button in recent iPhones, and OnePlus now follows suit — but with its own twist. The OnePlus smart button offers deeper customization and is being positioned as a step forward in hardware innovation, not merely a compromise.
By embracing more dynamic, software-integrated hardware, OnePlus continues to refine its identity in an ever-evolving tech landscape.
What This Means for the Future
With the OnePlus 13T, the brand is signaling a clear message: flexibility and user control are the future. While the Alert Slider will always hold a special place in the hearts of many, the smart button opens up exciting new possibilities. It’s a calculated risk — one that may just pay off.
For users willing to embrace change, the OnePlus 13T offers a glimpse into the next generation of smartphone interactivity — where function meets customization, and tradition makes way for transformation.
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