Vivo and iQOO Smartphones to Get Origin OS 6 Based on Android 16 in India: Beta Program Starting Soon

Vivo and its sub-brand iQOO are making a big change to how their phones will look and feel in India. After years of running Funtouch OS, the companies are now preparing to roll out Origin OS 6, a new Android skin that’s already been live in China.

A Shift From Funtouch to Origin

Currently, most Vivo and iQOO smartphones in India use Funtouch OS 15, which is based on Android 15. With Origin OS 6, users will be moving to a platform built on Android 16. The move aligns India with China, where Vivo and iQOO devices have long shipped with Origin OS instead of Funtouch.

iQOO India’s CEO, Nipun Marya, confirmed the change on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “We are ready for a new experience. Are you?” Vivo India echoed the sentiment, calling Origin OS 6 “a new chapter” designed to make daily interactions smoother.

What’s New With Origin OS 6

While Vivo hasn’t shared the complete feature list yet, early notes point to:

• More customization for the user interface
• Smarter AI integration with an “AI Key” to launch on-device features
• A focus on fluid animations and smoother navigation
• Design tweaks to make multitasking and personalization easier

The update is expected to evolve over time, with feedback shaping future builds.

Rollout Timeline

Vivo is likely to share more details at its developer conference in October in China. The new X300 series could be the first Vivo lineup in India to ship with Origin OS 6, while iQOO may introduce it on upcoming models even earlier. A beta program is also expected before wider rollout.

Why This Matters

For years, Vivo has faced criticism for Funtouch OS, often described as cluttered compared to rivals like Samsung’s One UI or Google’s Pixel software. By bringing Origin OS to India, Vivo and iQOO are signaling they want to close that perception gap and offer a cleaner, more modern software experience.