OnePlus India Shutdown Rumors: The Truth Behind the Headlines

Author: BS Raj
oneplus-shutdown smartphone-market
Go back More Articles
OnePlus India Shutdown Rumors: The Truth Behind the Headlines
OnePlus CEO denies India shutdown rumors. But market share dropped 36%, profits crashed 93%. Here's what OnePlus 13 owners need to know about warranty and updates.

TL;DR — Verdict

WHAT HAPPENED: Rumors spread in January 2026 that OnePlus was shutting down India operations. CEO Robin Liu officially denied this on January 21. WHY IT MATTERS: While not shutting down, OnePlus India faces serious challenges - 36% market share drop, 93% profit decline, cancelled products, and Rs 93 crore GST demand. WHO IS AFFECTED: All OnePlus owners in India concerned about warranty, software updates, and resale value. WHAT'S NEXT: OnePlus remains operational with all service centers active. Watch for OnePlus 14 launch strategy and any restructuring announcements.

Scroll for breakdown, risks, and what actually matters.

↑ Verdict

OnePlus India Shutdown? Here's What ACTUALLY Happened

Quick Answer: OnePlus is NOT shutting down in India. CEO Robin Liu issued an official denial on January 21, 2026. But the rumors didn't come from nowhere - the company is facing serious headwinds that every OnePlus owner should understand.

What Happened

The internet exploded. "OnePlus shutting down India operations" - that was the headline making rounds on tech forums and WhatsApp forwards in early January 2026. For a brand that once dominated India's premium smartphone segment, the rumor felt uncomfortably plausible.

Here's how it spread: Industry analysts noticed OnePlus's dramatic market share collapse - from 6.1% to 3.9% in 2025, a 36% year-over-year decline according to market research data. In the premium segment (above ₹30,000), the damage was even worse - OnePlus crashed from 21% to just 6%, a 71% collapse. Add reports of cancelled products like the OnePlus Open 2 and OnePlus 15s, and suddenly "shutdown" didn't seem far-fetched.

The CEO Response

On January 21, 2026, OnePlus CEO Robin Liu put out a direct statement: OnePlus is NOT exiting India.

The company confirmed that all India operations continue as normal. Manufacturing partnerships remain active. The service network is operational. The OnePlus 13, launched in January 2026, is selling through official channels with full warranty support.

Liu's statement acknowledged the "challenging market conditions" but emphasized OnePlus's long-term commitment to India - still one of the world's largest smartphone markets and a key growth region for the brand.

What Sparked The Rumors

The rumors weren't entirely baseless. Here's what's actually happening at OnePlus India:

Financial Pressure: Net profit crashed from Rs 230 crore to Rs 16 crore in FY25 - a 93% decline. That's not a typo. The company is bleeding money in India.

Tax Troubles: OnePlus is facing Rs 93 crore in GST demands, with an additional Rs 280 crore in pending notices. Tax disputes with Indian authorities are creating operational uncertainty.

Product Cancellations: Reports indicate the OnePlus Open 2 foldable and OnePlus 15s have been cancelled or indefinitely delayed for the India market. When a company starts pulling back on product launches, people notice.

Market Position Collapse: From "flagship killer" to barely visible. Samsung and Apple have eaten OnePlus's lunch in the premium segment. Xiaomi and Realme are squeezing from below.

Should OnePlus Owners Worry?

Warranty

Status: SAFE. All existing warranties remain valid. OnePlus service centers across India are operational. If your OnePlus 13 develops a defect, you can still claim warranty service.

Software Updates

Status: WATCH CAREFULLY. OxygenOS updates are still being released. The OnePlus 13 is scheduled for 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches. However, if financial pressures continue, update timelines could slip. Budget models may be deprioritized first.

Service Centers

Status: OPERATIONAL. OnePlus has not closed any authorized service centers. Spare parts availability remains normal. However, if the financial situation deteriorates, service quality could be affected long-term.

Resale Value

Status: DECLINING. The shutdown rumors themselves have already impacted resale perception. OnePlus devices are fetching lower resale prices compared to Samsung and Apple equivalents. This trend may continue regardless of operational status.

What To Do If You Own a OnePlus

  1. Don't panic. Your phone still works. Warranty is still valid. Updates are still coming.
  2. Register your device on the OnePlus India website if you haven't already - this ensures your warranty is on record.
  3. Document your purchase - keep your invoice and warranty card in a safe place.
  4. Monitor official channels - follow OnePlus India's official announcements rather than WhatsApp forwards.
  5. Consider timing for your next purchase - if you're planning to buy a new OnePlus, wait for clearer signals about the company's India strategy post-OnePlus 14 launch.

The Bigger Picture

OnePlus isn't dying. But it's not thriving either. The company that disrupted India's smartphone market with "Never Settle" is now settling - for survival mode.

The real question isn't whether OnePlus will shut down India operations tomorrow. It's whether OnePlus can find a path back to relevance in a market that's moved on. Samsung owns the premium segment. Apple is untouchable at the top. Chinese competitors offer similar specs at lower prices.

For current owners: your phone is fine. For prospective buyers: the uncertainty is real. Make your decision accordingly.