OnePlus to replace Alert Slider with a customisable button: All the details

OnePlus

OnePlus is making a big change to its phones, and it’s all about the famous Alert Slider. For nearly a decade, this little switch has been a fan-favorite. The slider allowed users to easily toggle between ring, vibrate, and silent modes. But now, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau has told 9to5 Mac that the company is planning to replace it with a more advanced, customizable button.

In a recent post on the OnePlus community forum, Lau explained the reason behind this decision. He called the Alert Slider “a huge piece of hardware just to switch sound profiles” and said a smarter, configurable button could offer users a better, more personalized experience.

While he didn’t share an exact timeline or mention which phones will get the new button first, he did confirm one important detail: users will still be able to switch sound modes without unlocking their phone. According to him, this was a must-have feature that OnePlus wasn’t willing to sacrifice.

This shift from a physical slider to a more flexible button sounds a lot like Apple’s recent move with the iPhone 15 Pro’s Action Button. Apple replaced its mute switch with a button that can be customized to perform different tasks, from launching the camera to activating shortcuts. It wouldn’t be surprising if OnePlus is heading in a similar direction.

For longtime OnePlus fans, this news might feel bittersweet. The Alert Slider was one of the brand’s signature features, setting it apart from competitors. However, if OnePlus can create a button that is truly useful and versatile, this change could be a welcome improvement rather than just another design tweak.

Only time will tell how well this new button will work, but one thing is certain—OnePlus is evolving, and it’s not afraid to shake things up.