As regular software updates have become vital for smartphone manufacturers to win the race, OnePlus has attempted to speed up the update process by releasing its native apps on Google Play. The Chinese company has begun the new initiative called Individual Application Update with four default apps, including the proprietary launcher.
The list of OnePlus apps available on the Play store includes the OnePlus Community, OnePlus Gallery, OnePlus Launcher and OnePlus Weather. Notably, these apps are rolling out only for OnePlus 5, 3 and 3T users worldwide. This means that if you own an older OnePlus device, such as the OnePlus 2 or the original OnePlus, you won't be able to install the default apps from the Play store. Also, the Shenzhen-based company doesn't allow any other Android devices to have its proprietary apps, unlike what Google planned by launching the Google Now Launcher in 2014.
"We know software updates mean a lot to our fans! But the fact is, the longer change log, the more days had to wait. So, to speed up OxygenOS updates and gather user feedback more quickly, we're pleased to officially introduce Individual Application Update," the OnePlus team writes in a forum post.
The first app update that the company has designed is the OnePlus Launcher v2.1.5 that will reach on the Play store in the coming days. The update comes with an optimised home screen folder icon -- with a preview of the first four icons in the folder, redesigned style for marking opened folders and general bug fixes. Plus, the new app brings double finger touch support to let you hold an item while sliding on the home screen.
Also read: OnePlus 3, 3T receive tonnes of tweaks from OxygenOS Open Beta 23/14
OnePlus has enabled a space on its forums to help you report bugs directly to its engineers. This would enable the company to ensure a stable and flawless experience over time.
The new announcement emerges amid the development of an Android Oreo update for the OnePlus 5. The company is also in plans to release the latest Android update for the last year's OnePlus 3 and 3T handsets by the end of this year. But the dated models will not receive any further major updates.
