Origin OS 6 Based on Android 16 Confirmed to Launch in India for iQOO Smartphones

The wait for a new software experience on iQOO smartphones in India is finally over. iQOO India CEO Nipun Marya has officially announced through social media that Origin OS 6, developed atop the latest Android 16, will become available in the Indian market very soon. This is a major turn of events for Vivo smartphone and iQOO users in India, as the new OS version will override the Funtouch OS 15 skin currently operating on devices.

From Funtouch OS to Origin OS

Until now, Vivo and iQOO phones in India have relied on Funtouch OS, while those in China used Origin OS. This disparity had a way of keeping Indian users wondering what they were missing. With the introduction of Origin OS 6, the firm is now converging its software experience globally. This is more than a rebranding effort but a significant step towards global standardization, with both Indian and Chinese users receiving the same interface, features, and updates.

Curiously, a day before the official announcement, the company gave out a hint in the form of renaming its official X (formerly Twitter) handle. The FuntouchOS profile was renamed to OriginOS (@FuntouchOS_IN), which assured everyone that a major transition was soon to take place.

Origin OS 6 to Be Based on Android 16

The fresh Origin OS 6 is developed on Android 16, the latest Google operating system. This implies that users will get a plethora of performance upgrades, privacy features, and increased personalization opportunities. On a comparison with Funtouch OS 15, which was developed on Android 15, the updation to Android 16 guarantees that iQOO phones in India would be ready for the future and comparable to other top-of-the-line mobiles equipped with the latest software.

Although the company has yet to announce the precise rollout schedule, reports indicate that Origin OS 6 will initially be released for high-end smartphones like the iQOO flagship series before spreading to mid-range and budget smartphones.

Rumors Surrounding Vivo Handsets

Even though the release note specifically speaks of iQOO smartphones, a big question still remains on everyone's mind will Vivo smartphones in India get the Origin OS 6 update as well? Vivo and iQOO both use Origin OS in China. It is highly possible that Vivo might bring the same experience to its Indian lineups too, replacing Funtouch OS on all its devices. But an official word is still awaited from the brand.

Expectations

As per a leak posted on Reddit's r/Vivo subreddit, which is purportedly given by a Vivo India staffer, Origin OS 6 rollout is actually in the works for India. The update will initially be received by high-end iQOO and Vivo phones, followed by mid-range handsets in subsequent waves. Budget models could take the longest to get the update.

With this deployment, users can look forward to better animations, better multitasking capabilities, AI optimization, and more Android 16 integration. The update will also probably introduce design modifications that render the interface cleaner, speedier, and more intuitive.

A Strategic Tact by Vivo and iQOO

The move to swap Funtouch OS with Origin OS in India has been viewed as a strategic step by Vivo and iQOO. Apart from bringing down confusion levels among users in various geographies, it enhances brand identity as well. With the same interface being provided around the world, the company is able to simplify updates, enhance customer support, and provide the same experience to everyone.

This step also places iQOO squarely against other companies such as Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi, which have already been competing on giving homogenous global experiences through their proprietary Android skins.