While OnePlus cherished the Alert Slider, it aims for progress instead of dwelling on the past.
In a daring decision signaling a change in design ethos, OnePlus is set to phase out its legendary Alert Slider to introduce a new, multifunctional feature: the Shortcut Key. This innovation will make its debut with the forthcoming OnePlus 13T, a device already buzzing with excitement due to its streamlined design and robust hardware. Although the Alert Slider has been beloved for its straightforwardness and physical control over notification styles, OnePlus envisions a future focused on flexibility and user personalization.
Since its launch, the Alert Slider has been a hallmark of OnePlus smartphones, offering users a swift and user-friendly method to switch between notification states. It represented a unique instance of hardware design prioritizing user ease. Nevertheless, as smartphone technology advances, so too must their functionalities.
According to OnePlus President Louis Lee, the new Shortcut Key is crafted to be “very practical” and more customizable than what came before. In a recent update on Weibo, Lee noted that the Shortcut Key enables users to “seamlessly switch between options in a series of tasks,” suggesting its capabilities will extend beyond mere notification management. While complete specifics remain undisclosed, the Shortcut Key is expected to facilitate silent, vibrate, and ring modes—retaining the essential usefulness of the Alert Slider while broadening its usability.
OnePlus CEO Pete Lau has recognized the strong emotional bond many users have with the Alert Slider. The company has previously encountered backlash from fans when the feature was omitted from certain models. However, Lau contends that the Alert Slider had become limited in functionality and could not adapt to emerging use cases.
“We appreciated the Alert Slider,” Lau stated, “but we also understand the necessity for a more intuitive and forward-thinking solution.” The Shortcut Key embodies OnePlus’s response to this need—a feature that preserves the tactile enjoyment of a physical button while providing enhanced adaptability to users.
In addition to the new Shortcut Key, the OnePlus 13T is becoming an intriguing device. Teasers from company leaders imply the phone will boast a 6.3-inch flat display, appealing to those who favor smaller, easily handled smartphones. Despite its compact size, the 13T is rumored to pack a hefty 6,000mAh battery, positioning it as one of the most power-efficient phones in its category.
Further leaks suggest 80W wired fast charging, allowing the sizable battery to recharge swiftly. With an expected price range of $600 to $900, the OnePlus 13T might deliver flagship-worthy performance and features at a more accessible cost.
The choice to retire the Alert Slider has incited varied responses. Long-time OnePlus enthusiasts have taken to online platforms to voice their discontent, with many identifying the Alert Slider as a defining feature of the brand. Nonetheless, others remain cautiously hopeful, intrigued by the potential of a more adaptable and personalized button.
OnePlus appears to recognize this delicate balance. By ensuring the Shortcut Key preserves the essential functionality of the Alert Slider while introducing new features, the company aims to harmonize innovation with tradition.
The shift from the Alert Slider to the Shortcut Key signifies a pivotal moment in OnePlus’s design evolution. It reflects the company’s readiness to adapt, even at the risk of distancing some of its most devoted followers. Whether the Shortcut Key will fulfill its potential is yet to be determined, but it is evident that OnePlus is determined not to rest on past successes. With the 13T, the company is poised to embrace the future.
