OnePlus Phones to Avoid in 2026 Due to No Android Updates

If we look at OnePlus’s software update policy for 2026, we can see several phones on the list. As per the company’s update roadmap, the major Android update cycle for many older OnePlus smartphones has now completely ended. Updates for several phones will stop this year. This will directly impact users who are planning to buy a new phone in 2026 or are considering purchasing these older models.

It is important to note that in the tech industry, software support is now considered just as important as hardware. Smartphones that will not receive any major Android updates in the future are not considered good long-term options. Therefore, if you are planning to buy a OnePlus smartphone or any other brand, you should first check how many software updates and security updates the phone will receive and for how long, and only then make a purchase decision.

Why Did OnePlus Stop Update Support?

Why Did OnePlus Stop Update Support
Why Did OnePlus Stop Update Support?

OnePlus provides its newer smartphones with up to 3 years of major OS updates (from Android 13 to Android 16) and up to 4 years of security updates. The main reason for this change is that the company has now shifted its focus to new flagship models and the latest Nord series. According to the company, older Nord and 10 series devices are not fully optimized for newer Android versions. Due to this reason, these phones will no longer receive major updates like Android 16 or OxygenOS 16.

However, some selected models may continue to receive security patches for a limited time, but the path for Android version upgrades has been completely closed.

Which OnePlus Phones Will Not Receive Android Updates in 2026?

Which OnePlus Phones Will Not Receive Android Updates in 2026?
Which OnePlus Phones Will Not Receive Android Updates in 2026?

OnePlus Nord Series (Old Models):

  • OnePlus Nord 2
  • OnePlus Nord 2T
  • OnePlus Nord 2 Lite
  • OnePlus Nord CE 3
  • OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
  • OnePlus Nord N10
  • OnePlus Nord N20
  • OnePlus Nord N30

Number Series (Older Generation):

  • OnePlus 10
  • OnePlus 10R
  • OnePlus 10T

For all these smartphones, major Android updates are officially considered finished. This means that in 2026, many of these phones will not receive new Android versions or security patches.

What Impact Will the Lack of Updates Have on Users?

What Impact Will the Lack of Updates Have on Users?
What Impact Will the Lack of Updates Have on Users?

Android updates are not limited to just new features. They also include performance optimization, security improvements, and app compatibility.

When update support ends, it can lead to the following issues in the future:

  • No access to new Android features
  • Some apps may not work properly in the future
  • Increased security risks
  • Rapid decline in the phone’s resale value

This is why tech experts are advising users to avoid such phones in 2026. If you already own an older OnePlus phone, you should check once whether Android updates for your device have stopped. If so, the phone may no longer be safe from a security point of view.

Important Things You Should Know

Even if some OnePlus models continue to receive security patches for a limited time, this is not a long-term solution. Without Android version upgrades, a phone gradually becomes outdated. As a result, the phone’s value decreases, and in the future, you may face problems such as online payment security issues or app compatibility problems.

Which OnePlus Phones Will Be Safe Options in 2026?

Which OnePlus Phones Will Be Safe Options in 2026?
Which OnePlus Phones Will Be Safe Options in 2026?

If you are planning to buy a OnePlus smartphone in 2026, it is better to focus only on the latest models. Newer OnePlus flagship phones and the latest Nord models are expected to receive multiple Android updates and long-term software support. Therefore, in 2026, you should consider buying newly launched phones. If you want to know which new smartphones are launching in 2026, you can read that article: New Smartphones Launching in January 2026 You Should Not Ignore

Overall…

When buying a smartphone in 2026, it is important to prioritize the software update policy above brand name or price. Phones whose update cycle has already ended may seem cheaper in the short term, but in the long run, this decision can prove to be costly.

Our advice is clear: in 2026, avoid OnePlus smartphones or any other brand’s phones whose update support has ended, and choose only future-ready smartphones.

FAQs

Which OnePlus phones will not get Android updates in 2026?

Several older OnePlus models including Nord 2, Nord CE 3, Nord N series, and OnePlus 10 series will no longer receive major Android updates in 2026.

Will these OnePlus phones get security updates in 2026?

Some models may receive limited security patches for a short period, but major Android version updates have officially ended.

Is it safe to use a OnePlus phone without Android updates?

Using phones without Android updates increases security risks, app compatibility issues, and reduces long-term reliability.

Which OnePlus phones are safe to buy in 2026?

New OnePlus flagship models and the latest Nord series are safer options as they are expected to receive longer software and Android update support.

SEE ALSO: OxygenOS 16 Update: Supported OnePlus Devices, Rollout Status & How to Check

Bhatraj Nama is a tech expert and writer who provides detailed and reliable information on smartphones, gadgets, and tech updates. He has been associated with the tech industry for the past 6 years. You can follow him on Twitter (X) or LinkedIn, and visit his Gravatar profile to learn more.

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