OnePlus Shut Down Rumors: Report Claims Company is Being Dismantled

OnePlus, the brand that once disrupted the global smartphone market, may be nearing the end of its journey as an independent entity. According to a report by The Economic Times, which cites an exclusive investigation by Android Headlines, the company is allegedly being dismantled , signaling a quiet collapse of the brand’s original identity. The transition marks departure from the company’s "Never Settle" origins, as it appears to be absorbed into the corporate structure of its parent company, Oppo. From flagship to sub brandThe reports suggest that the distinct culture and autonomy that once defined OnePlus are being systematically erased. While OnePlus initially operated with a "cult-like" following—challenging the premium aura of the iPhone it is now reportedly being reduced to a mere marketing label for Oppo’s hardware. According to the Android Headlines exclusive, the brand's internal spirit has been hollowed out. Many of the original team members who built the brand's unique community-driven approach have departed, and the integration of "OxygenOS" with Oppo’s "ColorOS" is seen by critics as the final nail in the coffin for the brand's unique software experience. The Economic Times also highlighted the brand’s struggles in India, which has historically been its most successful market. Citing data from the International Data Corporation (IDC), the report reveals a dramatic slump in performance: Shipment Drop: OnePlus shipments in India reportedly fell from 2.5 million units to just 1.1 million units during a recent measured period—a staggering 56 per cent decline. Retail Conflict: The brand has also faced significant friction with offline retailers in India over narrowing profit margins and delayed settlement of claims, leading several large retail chains to stop stocking OnePlus products earlier this year. Oppo Integration The reports indicate that the "collapse" is not necessarily a bankruptcy, but rather a strategic dismantling by the BBK Electronics group (the conglomerate behind Oppo and Vivo). By folding OnePlus entirely into Oppo’s supply chain and R&D, the parent company can reduce overhead. However, this move risks alienating the " Red Cable Club" enthusiasts who valued OnePlus for its premium, bloatware-free alternative to mainstream devices. Industry analysts suggest that the quiet shutdown of the brand's independence marks the end of an era for the smartphone industry. At its peak, OnePlus proved that a startup could challenge Apple and Samsung by focusing on speed, community feedback, and aggressive pricing. Now, as The Economic Times and Android Headlines suggest, OnePlus may soon exist only as a nameplate on Oppo-designed handsets, losing the "aura" that once made it a global powerhouse.