OnePlus just killed its most iconic feature - or did it?

OnePlus has never shied away from bold decisions, but this one hits different. For years, the Alert Slider has been more than just a feature — it’s been a symbol of OnePlus’ commitment to thoughtful design. It’s simple, intuitive, and just works. And yet, OnePlus believes it can do more. A lot more.

So, in a move that’s bound to stir mixed reactions, Pete Lau, OnePlus’ co-founder, has announced a major transformation: the Alert Slider as we know it is evolving into something bigger, smarter, and more customizable.

The Alert Slider has long been a fan-favorite, offering a physical, no-look way to switch sound profiles instantly. But as OnePlus devices have grown in complexity and capability, the company started questioning its potential: Could this small switch be more than just a mute toggle? The problem? The hardware switch is static — it can’t be reprogrammed or expanded beyond its predefined roles.

This dilemma led OnePlus back to the drawing board, sparking three years of internal debates, skepticism, and ultimately, innovation. The result? A fresh take on the button that aims to be more adaptable and future-ready while preserving the core functionality users love.

In place of the traditional Alert Slider, OnePlus is introducing a Smart Button — a fully customizable alternative that allows users to tailor it to their needs. While exact details remain under wraps, Lau has assured fans that the ability to switch sound profiles without waking the phone remains intact — a non-negotiable priority in this redesign.

But the new Smart Button isn’t just about retaining what worked before; it’s about expanding possibilities. OnePlus envisions a button that adapts to user preferences, unlocking functionalities that go beyond simple sound toggling. Whether it means launching apps, executing shortcuts, or integrating deeper with the OS remains to be seen, but the shift opens doors to new levels of personalization.

Lau hasn’t provided an exact timeline, but given the teaser-heavy nature of the announcement, it’s highly likely that we’ll see the Smart Button debut in OnePlus’ next major flagship. With Lau’s assurance that this new button is “future-ready and incredibly intuitive,” expectations are already running high.

For die-hard OnePlus fans, this change will take some getting used to. The Alert Slider was a defining feature, and any alteration — no matter how well-intentioned — will inevitably face resistance. But OnePlus insists this isn’t a compromise, it’s an evolution. If done right, it could be a game-changer, offering both flexibility and enhanced usability while maintaining the beloved sound profile switching. If this sounds too familiar, well, you’re right. The iPhone also replaced the ring/silent button with a customizable Action Button, allowing you to perform various actions on the fly.

Lau has explicitly called for feedback, urging users to share their thoughts on how this button should function. The company wants this transformation to be guided by its fans — just as OnePlus was built on user input from day one.

OnePlus is betting big on this shift, and while the decision is bound to spark debates, it reflects a deeper philosophy — innovation should never be stagnant. By evolving the Alert Slider into something more powerful, OnePlus is taking a calculated risk in hopes of delivering a more dynamic user experience.

Will this gamble pay off? That depends on how well OnePlus executes its vision. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that OnePlus listens. And now, they’re asking you to help shape what comes next.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to embrace the next evolution of the Alert Slider?