OnePlus has revealed plans to replace its iconic Alert Slider with a customizable smart button, a move that marks a significant shift in the design of its flagship smartphones. The Alert Slider, which has been a hallmark of OnePlus devices for years, allowed users to quickly adjust the sound profile of their phone without unlocking it. However, the company has recognized the hardware limitations of the slider and is seeking a more modern and versatile solution. The new button is expected to offer greater functionality, much like Apple’s Action Button, which allows users to customize various actions beyond a single function.
In a detailed community post, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau shared insights into the company’s decision to move away from the Alert Slider. Lau explained that while the slider has been a favorite feature, it only serves a singular purpose: switching between sound profiles. He admitted that the brand had been contemplating how to enhance the slider’s functionality for the past three years, but the physical limitations of the design made it impossible to implement any significant changes.
Lau further elaborated on the decision by pointing out that the Alert Slider occupies a substantial portion of the phone’s body, yet its utility is limited. Despite considering the idea of making the slider customizable, OnePlus found that it was constrained by the fixed physical positions required for its specific functions. As a result, the company is turning to a smarter, more flexible alternative — a button that can be personalized by the user to perform various actions, allowing for more customization and better use of available space.
This shift comes as part of OnePlus’s ongoing efforts to refine and innovate its hardware offerings, making its smartphones even more user-friendly and versatile. While many users will likely miss the simplicity and charm of the Alert Slider, the company’s decision to replace it with a customizable smart button demonstrates its commitment to providing cutting-edge technology that adapts to the evolving needs of its user base. The new button will allow for a more dynamic interaction with the device, signaling a new era for OnePlus smartphone design.
