OnePlus is killing the Alert Slider—and going full Apple mode!

OnePlus fans, it’s the end of an era! The beloved Alert Slider, which set OnePlus phones apart by letting users quickly toggle sound profiles, is being phased out. But don’t panic just yet—OnePlus is replacing it with something new. Inspired by Apple’s Action Button, the company is introducing a "smarter, customizable button" to offer more functionality. Whether this is an upgrade or a downgrade depends on how well it’s implemented. Let’s break down what this means for future OnePlus (and possibly Oppo and Realme) devices.

OnePlus is saying goodbye to the Alert Slider

For years, OnePlus was the only Android brand keeping the tradition of a physical mute switch alive. The Alert Slider was a signature feature, making it easy to switch between sound profiles without touching the screen. But that’s all changing.

OnePlus briefly removed the slider with the 10T in 2022 before bringing it back after user feedback. Now, the company is making a more permanent decision to retire it. According to CEO Pete Lau, the new "smart button" will offer more personalisation while still letting users control sound modes.

The new button will be more customisable

So, what’s replacing the Alert Slider? A customisable button, much like the iPhone’s Action Button. If leaks are accurate, OnePlus users will be able to map this new button to various functions—taking screenshots, launching apps, toggling the flashlight, and more.

This move aligns with a broader industry trend, as customisable hardware buttons are becoming more common. Reports suggest this button won’t be exclusive to OnePlus either—Oppo and Realme devices could adopt it too, with the feature first appearing on an upcoming flagship.

3. Placement could make or break this feature

While a customisable button sounds great, usability depends on placement. Apple’s Action Button is in the same spot as the old mute switch, but that works for iPhones. OnePlus phones are larger, and reaching a tiny button at the top-left might not be as convenient.

If OnePlus really wants this feature to shine, it needs to rethink placement. A well-positioned, easily accessible button could be a game-changer, while poor positioning could make it frustrating to use.

Some will miss the simplicity of the Alert Slider

Not everyone is excited about this change. While a customisable button offers more versatility, the Alert Slider had one job and did it well. It was simple, reliable, and didn’t require setup.

For those who frequently switch between sound profiles, the move to a software-based toggle might feel like a downgrade. But for users who rarely touched the Alert Slider, a custom button that can do more might be a welcome change.