The OnePlus Pad Lite is now getting the stable OxygenOS 16 update, based on Android 16.
OnePlus has started rolling out the stable OxygenOS 16 software to the OnePlus Pad Lite. This update brings the tablet in line with the company’s latest OS version, which focuses on smoother performance, AI tools in select apps, and refined design elements.
The rollout began in India for a limited group of users, with version numbers OPD2481_16.0.3.500 (EX01) or OPD2480_16.0.3.500 (EX01), depending on the model variant. It is expanding gradually to more regions and users. Owners can check for it in Settings > System & updates > Software update. For early access, some users joined the beta program before the stable release. Always back up data before installing, use Wi-Fi, and ensure the device has enough battery and stays cool during the process.
This update follows the planned Q1 2026 timeline for the Pad Lite, as outlined in OnePlus’s earlier roadmap. Other devices like the OnePlus Pad received it earlier in January 2026.
Key Changes in the Update
The software includes several refinements across the interface and apps.
Performance and Smoothness
- The Trinity Engine handles parallel processing to manage workload better, improve storage speed, compress RAM, handle high loads, boost gaming, speed up app starts, and apply tiered power saving.
- Animations feel more fluid, with updates to text selection, status bar shifts, audio controls, swipe-back gestures, light field effects, and scrolling.
AI-Enhanced Apps
- Photos app now has clearer album categories, personalized sorting, quick info access for images, and video editing options such as split/merge clips, speed changes, transitions, background music, plus crop, rotate, and filter tools.
- Notes app adds block editing, image view options, share via link, text highlight, quick format with “/”, font changes, underlines, and dividers.
- Recorder app gets a cleaner interface with easier interactions.
Design and Home Screen
- New light and shadow effects appear throughout, powered by the Luminous Rendering Engine for better motion.
- A “One Serif” font is added, with more immersive weather displays.
- Flux Home screen brings lifelike icons, adjusted grid and layout, varied folder styles, no icon text by default, refined edit mode, larger bottom dock, moved search bar, index bar for apps, categorized apps, and smarter suggestions.
- Flux themes allow real-time edits, custom Lock screen text, shortcut setup, adaptive icon styles, and Dark mode icon adjustments.
Connectivity and Other Tools
- OnePlus Connect groups device settings, improves Bluetooth pairing for smart cars, adds My Devices to Quick Settings and widgets.
- AI LinkBoost helps maintain stronger network connections.
- Notifications and Quick Settings offer more customization, with cleaner banners and faster sharing panel.
- Extra touches include earpiece-only ringtones, Bosnian language support, redesigned Smart Sidebar, better battery activity view, and smoother data transfer from iOS devices.
- Security options let users long-press app icons to lock or hide them.
Tablet Experience Notes
OxygenOS 16 improves big-screen use on OnePlus tablets, with better multitasking via Open Canvas (though full five-app support is limited to higher models like Pad 2 and Pad 3). Connectivity between phone and tablet is smoother for sharing screens, files, or photos. Some AI features, like certain Plus Mind tools, are not available on tablets including the Pad Lite.
This release completes the major update cycle for many OnePlus devices from late 2025 into 2026.
