After a long wait, OnePlus has finally released the Android 9 Pie-based OxygenOS Open Beta update to both its 2017 smartphones- the OnePlus 5 and the OnePlus 5T. OnePlus made this announcement via its official Forums stating that it's a public beta programme, so any OnePlus 5 or 5T owner can install and test the firmware. The OnePlus 5 gets OxygenOS Open Beta 22 while the OnePlus 5T gets Open Beta 20 update. Users who're already on the Open Beta ROM will receive an OTA update shortly whereas new users have to install the update manually in order to enjoy the Android 9 Pie sweetness. Talking about the features, OnePlus has posted a lengthy changelog stating that the update brings brand new interface for Android Pie, new navigation gestures for OnePlus 5T, November 2018 security patches and more. In short, this update brings all the features introduced with the OnePlus 6T.
OnePlus 5 and 5T Gets Android 9 Pie Beta: What's New?
Starting with the system-wide features, OnePlus has updated the overall Android system to Android 9 Pie. This update brings the new Android 9 Pie based interface which the company introduced with the OnePlus 6. Since the OnePlus 5T sports an 18:9 display panel, OnePlus has added the new navigation gestures alongside the basic gesture navigation of stock Android. OnePlus also updated the Android security patches to November 2018 and also made some optimisations to background app process handling.
The Android 9 Pie beta update for the OnePlus 5, 5T adds new Do Not Disturb mode with adjustable settings. Moving onto the communication improvements, OnePlus has done some UI improvements for emergency rescue alongside optimising UI for speed dial and calling interface. Furthermore, with this update, users can now assign a specific SIM for a specific contact or group of contact when using Dual-SIM functionality.
The new beta update also users to create parallel apps for Telegram, Discord, IMO, Uber and Ola. For the unaware, with Parallel Apps feature, you can create two instances of the same app on your smartphone.
Lastly, OnePlus updated the Weather app with dynamic weather location option, more suggestions display when the search function is used and it also fixed some issues.
OnePlus 5, 5T Android 9 Pie Beta Update: How to Install?
First of all, do make a note that there's no need for you to install the update manually if you're already on the OxygenOS Open Beta ROM based on Android 8.1 Oreo because OnePlus is pushing the update via OTA. But for those who want to join the beta programme now, they've to install the ROM manually by downloading the package from the OnePlus website and installing via local storage. Another thing worth noting is that once you migrate to Open Beta programme, you'll receive only Open Beta OTAs going forward and not the stable OTAs.
That said, this is a beta software so you might encounter some bugs while using it. OnePlus is also seeking your help in making the Android 9 Pie update possible for all the OnePlus 5 and 5T users at the earliest. OnePlus has integrated a Feedback tool into the OnePlus Community app which comes preinstalled on your handset. If you notice any bugs, go ahead and report them to the company via feedback tool.
