OnePlus has announced that it will not be releasing a foldable phone in 2025, putting an end to speculation about a potential sequel to its Open foldable device from 2023. The news comes as a surprise, especially given that its subsidiary company Oppo is launching a new ultra-thin foldable phone, the Find N5, in China and internationally next week.

In a OnePlus Community post, the company's product manager Vale Gu revealed that Oppo will be taking the lead in the foldable segment, and OnePlus will "pause on foldable for this generation." However, Gu clarified that this doesn't mean OnePlus is departing from the category, rather a "recalibration" of its strategy. This move raises questions about the company's commitment to innovation in the foldable phone space.

OnePlus' Open, launched in 2023, introduced an alternative form factor in the US compared to competitor foldable devices from Google and Samsung at the time. The device featured an outer screen with a 20:9 aspect ratio, making it feel like a normal phone when closed. The Open broke the company's one-day sales record in North America, and its design was later followed by Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold in 2024.

The decision to pause foldable phone development may be seen as a strategic move to focus on other areas of innovation. However, it's unclear what this means for the company's future in the foldable segment. With Oppo taking the lead, OnePlus may be re-evaluating its position in the market and reassessing its priorities.

The news may come as a disappointment to fans of the brand who were eagerly anticipating a new foldable device. However, OnePlus' commitment to "recalibration" rather than a complete departure from the category suggests that the company may still have plans for the future. As the foldable phone market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how OnePlus adapts and responds to changing consumer demands.

In the meantime, Oppo's Find N5 is set to launch in China and internationally next week, but it won't be making its way to the US market. The device boasts an ultra-thin design, and its success may have implications for OnePlus' future plans in the foldable segment.

As the tech industry continues to shift and adapt to new trends and innovations, OnePlus' decision to pause foldable phone development serves as a reminder that even the most promising technologies can be subject to change. It remains to be seen how this move will impact the company's future and the broader foldable phone market.