For over a decade, OnePlus has been the "flagship killer" that redefined the premium smartphone market. However, a viral and meticulously detailed report has sent shockwaves through the tech community, claiming that parent company OPPO is quietly dismantling the brand.
Following 24 hours of frantic speculation, OnePlus India CEO Robin Liu has officially broken his silence to address what he calls "misinformation," though industry analysts remain skeptical about the brand's long-term autonomy.
The 'Dismantled' Report: A Brand on Life Support?
The controversy was ignited by a bombshell investigation from Android Headlines, titled "OnePlus is being dismantled." The report paints a grim picture of a brand being hollowed out from within:
- Sales in Freefall: Global shipments reportedly dropped by over 20% in 2024, falling from 17 million units to just 13 million, even as OPPO’s other segments grew.
- Regional Gutting: The report claims OnePlus headquarters have been shuttered without public announcement, and Western teams in the US and Europe have been reduced to "skeleton crews."
- Product Cancellations: Most devastatingly for fans, the report alleges that the highly anticipated OnePlus Open 2 foldable and the OnePlus 15s compact flagship have been scrapped.
- The 'OPPO-fication': It suggests that all strategic decisions now flow directly from China, with OnePlus effectively being "wound down" to honor remaining warranties before being absorbed entirely.
The CEO’s Rebuttal: "Business as Usual"
Facing a potential PR nightmare, OnePlus India CEO Robin Liu took to X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday morning to issue a firm denial.
"I wanted to address some misinformation that has been circulating about OnePlus India and its operations. We're operating as usual and will continue to do so. Never Settle." - Robin Liu, CEO OnePlus India
Liu shared an official statement graphic urging stakeholders to verify information from official sources and dismissed the shutdown rumors as "false" and "unverified." This sentiment was echoed by the global team, asserting that the brand's commitment to its community remains unchanged.
Reading Between the Lines: Why the Panic?
While the CEO’s response provides temporary relief for users, the brand is currently fighting a multi-front war:
- Legal Troubles: Global CEO Pete Lau is reportedly facing an arrest warrant in Taiwan over allegations of illegal hiring practices involving a shell company.
- Market Share Loss: Recent IDC data shows OnePlus's market share in India its crown jewel has slipped from 3.6% to 2.4% year-on-year.
- The GST Blow: In India, the company is also battling a ₹93 crore tax notice related to its "Green Line" screen replacement program.
What This Means for You
For current owners of the OnePlus 15 or OnePlus Pad Go 2, there is no immediate cause for alarm. The company has promised to honor all warranty and software update commitments. However, the future of the "OnePlus identity" that unique blend of high performance and enthusiast-focused software appears more tied to OPPO’s corporate roadmap than ever before.
