OnePlus is removing the Alert Slider, and it makes perfect sense.

      OnePlus has a rich history of daring design innovations. On the practical side, the multi-stage alert slider switch has been particularly popular among users. Unfortunately, it will soon be phased out. Fortunately, something more functional is set to take its place.

      In a post on a community forum, co-founder Pete Lau expressed that the alert slider switch has been one of his favorite features on OnePlus devices, but he wanted to make it more versatile. Currently, the alert slider only enables users to toggle between silent, ring, and vibrate modes. To enhance its functionality, it will be replaced with a button, likely one that is customizable.

      To clarify, yes, the new button will still allow users to switch profiles, similar to the alert slider. The alert slider has become a defining feature of OnePlus phones, but what follows could potentially be even more beneficial.

      Creating space for significant hardware improvements

      When the OnePlus 10T was launched, it faced criticism for lacking the alert slider. The backlash was significant enough for the company to publish an explanation regarding the removal of the three-stage switch.

      According to the community post, "We understand our users expect OnePlus devices to offer high wattage charging, a large battery capacity, and improved antenna signal. To excel in these areas, the OnePlus 10T had to make room for new technology."

      While the alert slider might seem small, it occupies about 30 square millimeters of space. In smartphone design, that’s quite substantial. Removing it increased the motherboard's layout utilization rate from 74% to 78% in the OnePlus 10T.

      With the alert slider's removal, engineers were able to incorporate more valuable components into the design. An additional charging pump allowed for quicker charging, and the team was able to fit a slightly larger battery. The absence of the alert slider also created space for 15 antennas around the phone’s body, enhancing signal reception, particularly during gaming. If OnePlus can achieve similar advancements by eliminating the alert slider again, I fully support it.

      As smartphones become increasingly demanding in terms of processing power and battery capacity in 2025, even a minor increase in battery size and thermal hardware is a welcome improvement. Additionally, we cannot overlook the large multi-lens camera modules that are now commonplace.

      OnePlus' sister company, Oppo, had to compromise and use a less powerful zoom camera due to limited space on the ultra-slim Find N5 foldable phone. I hope that with the removal of the alert slider, OnePlus maximizes the available space and implements meaningful internal upgrades.

      A significant opportunity for innovation

      Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

      Lau elaborated, "The Alert Slider is a hardware switch with a function tied to its physical position, meaning it can't be reprogrammed or expanded without sacrificing its simplicity." In contrast, a physical button can perform a wider array of tasks based on user interaction. Different tasks can be assigned to short, long, double, or triple presses. It even allows for complex multi-step shortcuts at a mere click. The possibilities are extensive.

      This customization approach is already seen in the smartphone market. For instance, the power button on a Pixel phone can be pressed five times to send an emergency SOS alert.

      However, accidental button presses can lead to awkward situations. For example, a user of a Google Pixel smartphone inadvertently triggered the Emergency SOS feature, broadcasting a live video of themselves sleeping without clothes. While such incidents are rare, the practical advantages of a button—along with its versatility—far exceed what the limited alert slider offers. Apple's Action Button on iPhones is a perfect example.

      The Action Button replaced Apple’s previous alert slider, introducing various practical functions. This button can switch sound profiles, enable focus mode, launch the camera, activate Visual Intelligence, turn on the flashlight, open apps, or trigger shortcuts, among other functionalities.

      Joe Maring / Digital Trends

      I anticipate that OnePlus will provide a similar, if not enhanced, level of convenience when it introduces its own version of an action button soon. I am particularly excited as more smart home and AI integrations emerge.

      OnePlus has already incorporated an array of system-wide AI features in its latest flagship phones, and I look forward to the brand offering some clever AI functionalities linked to the programmable action button on its future devices.

      It started off small

      My first encounter with the slider switch was on the OnePlus 2 in 2016. At that time, it managed notification profiles rather than sound settings, allowing users to choose between No Interruptions, Priority Interruptions Only, and All Notifications presets for receiving app and system alerts.

      Users had complete control over what constituted a priority notification, including a dedicated option to select contacts that would receive priority for incoming calls while silencing all others.

      The alert slider debuted on the OnePlus 2. Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      OnePlus even had a Repeat Caller feature, allowing a call to go through if