5 Things to Know About OnePlus 3 Android Pie Update

OnePlus Android 9 Pie updates are coming to an end as the company prepares to release the final software update for the aging OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T. It’s good news that these older phones are getting the update, and here are 5 things OnePlus 3 owners should know about Android Pie.

After OnePlus became part of the Android P beta program, it quickly released Android 9 Pie for the OnePlus 6, then 5, which was faster than most major manufacturers. And now, the old OnePlus 3 is next. Here’s what to expect, what’s new and what’s changing.

OnePlus 3 Android Pie Release Date

First of all, the OnePlus 3 and 3T Android 9 Pie update is not yet available for everyone. It’s almost here though, and the wait is almost over. On April 17, 2019, OnePlus launched 3 and 3T Android Pie beta in the wild. Allowing anyone and everyone in the community forums to download and install this new software.

However, we believe that the official OnePlus 3 Android 9 Pie software update will be released worldwide and to every smartphone owner in the next 2-4 weeks. Basically, wait for the last update before the end of the month or early May.

OnePlus 3 Android Pie Beta (and OnePlus 3T)

Finally, after a long wait and a small beta testing period outside of the United States, OnePlus has released the Pie beta for anyone who owns the older OnePlus 3 and 3T. Remember, this is a beta test, unfinished software, so you may run into a bug or two. That said, they have plenty of time to test this version and it should be pretty stable as they’ve fixed the last few bugs and released it worldwide. Here are a few links to get you started.

We recommend that you read the beta, back up everything important on your phone, and then continue. At the same time, you’ve waited this long already, and it might be best to wait a few more weeks for the official update.

OnePlus 3 / 3T Android Pie: What’s New

Both phones get the same Android 9 Pie version running the latest Oxygen OS 9 from OnePlus. If you’ve ever paid attention to the changes or new features in the OnePlus 5 or OP6, you already know what to expect. Still, the changelog is here for those interested.

Frankly, this is a short list, and Android 9 Pie has tons of exciting new features, battery saver mode, and other controls. Here is our detailed Android 8 Oreo vs Android 9 Pie comparison for those interested.

How to Install OnePlus 3 Android Pie Beta

If you don’t want to wait for the official update to arrive on your phone, you can manually download the file and flash the Pie using our download link above. The steps are pretty simple. However, if you’re already running any OnePlus beta, you’ll need to flash the Pie in Recovery mode. If you don’t know what it is, you shouldn’t be messing with these things anyway.

For everyone else, here are the simple steps to install Android Pie beta on your OP3 or OP3T.

It’s a pretty simple process. Unfortunately, if you’re using any other beta software, you’ll need to flash it and delete all user data during recovery, which is a disappointment. Personally, I would recommend waiting for the official software in the coming weeks.

what’s next

This is probably the last major software update for your phone. OnePlus 3 and 3T are older devices that came out in 2016. Google requires manufacturers to offer only 18 months of updates, so that date is long gone.

However, this does not mean that support or new software and features will end. First, we expect at least one or two maintenance updates AFTER Android 9 Pie is officially released. These will fix a few bugs and make the experience even better.

Then OnePlus will continue to release maintenance updates, bug fixes and patches for these phones over time. While we seriously doubt the OnePlus 3 will get Android Q, there’s a small chance for exactly that. And if the company doesn’t do that, the developer community at XDA Developers will likely port Android Q to 3 or 3T.

Know that this is a major update that will drastically improve your phone’s speed, performance, camera and potentially battery life. That said, it’s probably the last major software release for the aging OnePlus 3, so enjoy it.