No, FuntouchOS Is Not Merging with OriginOS - Viral News Turns Out to Be FAKE!

What you need to Know

• The news about BBK merging FuntouchOS and OriginOS is fake.

• FuntouchOS is only getting some features and a UI overhaul inspired by OriginOS.

• BBK may rename FuntouchOS, similar to Xiaomi’s HyperOS rebranding strategy.

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With social media and messaging apps propagating information like wildfire in this day and age, even something as far-fetched as fake tech news takes no time to catch fire. There was such an instance recently when a Telegram group said that BBK Electronics, the parent of Vivo and iQOO, had decided to merge FuntouchOS (employed worldwide) with OriginOS (China exclusive). This inaccurate rumor stirred up users and technology buffs alike, but let us put things straight: this news is entirely fabricated.

The rumor had it that BBK would be consolidating its two principal Android-based operating systems: FuntouchOS (utilized in international Vivo and iQOO models) and OriginOS (utilized in Chinese products only). Based on various Telegram messages and social media updates, BBK had supposedly made this choice to provide a more consistent UI experience globally. This was followed by a number of popular tipsters and tech influencers getting on board, stating their "sources" had also told them the same. This further propagated the false news, confusing millions of users on Twitter (now X), Telegram, and Instagram.

Let's get the basics first. OriginOS was made specifically for the Chinese market and is only available on Vivo and iQOO phones that are sold in China. It is usually lauded for its high level of polish, optimization, lack of bloatware, and feature-richness. In fact, some users and reviewers maintain that OriginOS is light years ahead of FuntouchOS, with a significantly better experience both in looks and performance. Conversely, FuntouchOS that runs Vivo and iQOO phones in the international markets such as India is relatively disappointing. Although it has improved over time, it remains still inferior to its domestic Chinese version when it comes to finesse, look, and features.

Instead of a complete merger, BBK is only going to launch a brand new UI revamp for FuntouchOS likely taken from OriginOS. Sources indicate that the global version of FuntouchOS is merely taking some elements and features from OriginOS, nothing less.

Source: Yogesh Brar on X

Beyond this, BBK can also rebrand FuntouchOS to give the upgrade a hype, just like how Xiaomi released HyperOS a variant of MIUI with a new paint and backend tweaks, but otherwise the same foundation. This type of branding strategy is not new in the industry and is sometimes utilized to create buzz without really bringing an OS-level change.

The misinformation mostly results from the low source verification on social media and the reliance on Telegram tipster groups, where false information can freely circulate unchecked. With some of the tipsters reporting alleged insider information, users automatically assumed news were true.

Yet, there has been no official statement from Vivo, iQOO, or BBK Electronics about any such merger. Until then and there's no indication that it will the story is nothing but an internet hoax.

While a merger is off the table, the future of FuntouchOS still looks somewhat brighter:

• New UI Overhaul: Expect a fresh, modern interface, likely inspired by OriginOS design cues.

• Feature Borrowing: Certain smart features and performance optimizations from OriginOS may be ported to FuntouchOS.

• Possible Rebranding: BBK might rename FuntouchOS to create buzz, following the playbook of Xiaomi’s HyperOS launch.

Despite these updates, it’s important to manage expectations. Global users shouldn’t expect an experience identical to OriginOS unless BBK decides to unify its software development model completely which doesn’t seem to be happening anytime soon.

The tech community is usually full of hype, leaks, and rumors. Speculate all you want, but waiting for official confirmation is important too. Here, the so-called FuntouchOS-OriginOS merger is nothing but another viral misinformation.

So the next time you hear of a significant software change, take a pause, check official sources, and don't get carried away with the hype.