OnePlus has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons this year. It all started when the brand's shutdown rumours began circulating online, some even point at a potential merger with Oppo. There's now fresh chatter regarding OnePlus's impending fate, and this time, it could be all too real.
OnePlus Websites in Europe Are Now Sending Customers Directly to Oppo
Spotted by German publication Cachys Blog, the OnePlus Germany website now carries a prominent banner at the top, steering customers to Oppo's product lineup. A similar shift has also been reported on the OnePlus Spain and France websites.
To make the move enticing, the brand is offering users a 30 Euro (approximately Rs 3,300) discount coupon to consider an Oppo product. Clicking on the banner redirects to a description page that makes the OnePlus getting dismantled rumours even more prominent.
The phrasing makes it seem like OnePlus is directly telling users to jump ship, saying Oppo will offer "the speed you need and the experience you trust".
The translated message on the page reads:
Looking for new technology that delivers everything you expect from OnePlus devices? OPPO has the speed you need and the experience you trust, keeping your workflows fast and seamless. We’ve curated a selection of OPPO products powered by the latest hardware and high-performance software you know and love, all designed to provide seamless compatibility with existing OnePlus technology.
— Translated from OnePlus Germany website
Also, mind you, the description page shows up right on the OnePlus website and doesn't redirect users to Oppo's website. However, the messaging clearly shows the intent that OnePlus is urging users to visit Oppo's website for future purchases.
This does confirm the earlier speculations that OnePlus could exit select global markets, including parts of Europe. They also align with the broader restructuring currently underway. However, it remains to be seen whether this affects OnePlus' US operations. Since Oppo does not officially sell in the US, will OnePlus completely cease operations there? We do not know at the time of writing.
As for India, there has been no such instance yet, and OnePlus phones are still available in the market, including new launches like the OnePlus N6. The brand recently refuted shutdown rumours extensively and expanded OnePlus service centres in India by 50%. However, it is worth noting that this has been enabled by using Oppo's infrastructure.
Moreover, with OnePlus India CEO, Robin Liu resigning, it doesn't seem like all is well in India too. While we do not expect the brand to just up and leave the region, users should remain vigilant and extra careful before purchasing any new OnePlus product, including smartphones.
