OnePlus has finally started pushing out the incremental OxygenOS 16 update for the OnePlus 13. This update is currently rolling out in batches in the India region. This means it hasn’t been received by everyone simultaneously, but it will gradually reach all devices.
When I looked at the update details and community posts, it was clear that this isn’t a major redesign update. It’s more focused on small but practical improvements.
First, let’s talk about the basic information. The India build version is CPH2649_16.0.3.501 (EX01), and the update size is approximately 946MB. The size suggests that this is a mid-cycle update focused on stability and features.
OnePlus 13 Receives OxygenOS 16.0.3.501 Updates (Changelog)
The most practical improvement in this update, in my opinion, is the improvement to the Photos app. Now you can edit images up to 50MP in the Photos app without compromising image quality. This is a small but useful change for those who edit heavy photos.
The other major highlight is the Bypass Charging feature. If you are gaming, watching live streams, using navigation, or running any heavy task, you can now use your phone while it’s plugged in without directly charging the battery. This is expected to reduce heating and battery stress. Gamers will likely appreciate this feature.
Minor Improvements in App Drawer, Security, and Privacy
New categories named Office and Finance have been added to the App Drawer. This makes finding apps a little easier, especially for those with many apps on their phones.
Some good changes are also visible on the security side. It’s now possible to browse, search, and share files in Private Safe. Accessing it through the side slider has also been made easier. This update seems good for privacy-conscious users.
In addition, the January 2026 Android security patch has been integrated, which is essential for overall system security. Calling and Network Related Changes
A new option has been added to the Calling section – the “Reply with SMS” switch. You can now hide the SMS reply option on the incoming call screen. This setting can be found within Contacts. It’s a small feature, but some users will appreciate this control.
Rollout and Bug Reporting Features
OnePlus has clearly stated that this is an incremental OTA update. It will be rolled out to a few users initially, but will eventually reach almost all users. A good thing for Indian users is that bug reports can now be submitted directly through the OnePlus Community App. Alternatively, feedback can also be provided by dialing *#800#. This means that if any issues arise after the update, reporting them will be easy.
Overall Impression
To be honest, OxygenOS 16.0.3.501 isn’t a flashy update. However, it includes changes that are useful in daily use, especially the bypass charging and Photos app improvements. If your OnePlus 13 is running stably, this update doesn’t seem like anything to worry about. And if you receive the update, you can install it with the usual precautions (backup, Wi-Fi, sufficient battery).
The real experience will only become clear after using it for a few days. If you have already installed it, let us know in the comments if you noticed any difference in battery life, heating, or performance.
Also Read: iOS 26.3 Beta 2 Update Released: What’s New and Which iPhones Will Get It?
