OnePlus to Replace Iconic Alert Slider with New Customizable Button for Greater Functionality

In a recent community post, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau addressed users regarding a major change to one of the brand’s signature features—the Alert Slider—following reports that surfaced last month. The company has announced its decision to replace the traditional Alert Slider with a new, customizable button, aiming to provide greater functionality and adaptability.

A hallmark of OnePlus devices, the Alert Slider allowed users to seamlessly switch between sound profiles and even made its way into OPPO smartphones. However, OnePlus acknowledged that its fixed hardware design limited its potential for further customization.

“As much as I love the Alert Slider, I kept asking myself the same question: How can it do more?” Pete Lau shared, emphasizing the goal of expanding its capabilities beyond basic sound profile switching.

The decision to remove the Alert Slider was not taken lightly. The company cited the feedback received after the OnePlus 10T’s launch—where the feature was absent—as highlighting the strong emotional connection users had with it. This led to three years of internal discussion and development.

OnePlus explained that the primary limitation of the Alert Slider was its hardware-restricted functionality, which prevented software-based customization. To overcome this, the company introduced a new customizable button.

“The solution? A smarter, customizable button,” the post stated, highlighting the shift toward a more personalized user experience. This new button will offer a broader range of functionalities tailored to individual preferences.

Despite the change, OnePlus reassured users that core features, such as quick sound profile switching, will remain intact, calling it a “non-negotiable” part of the button’s design.

The announcement underscored OnePlus’ commitment to user feedback, encouraging the community to share ideas for potential button functionalities. The company described this change as an “evolution” of the Alert Slider, maintaining its convenience while unlocking new possibilities.

This shift is aimed at optimizing device space, enabling new design layouts, and enhancing structural performance. While acknowledging the Alert Slider’s emotional significance to its user base, OnePlus expressed confidence that the new button will deliver a more versatile and personalized smartphone experience.