Realme is ending development of Realme UI, with all future Realme phones set to launch directly on ColorOS 17. The move ends the software identity the brand has used since early 2020.
The change may also reach older Realme devices through software updates. Only phones that remain eligible for system updates will be moved to ColorOS, according to the company.
What the Change Means for Realme Users
The most immediate effect will be seen on upcoming phones, which will no longer use the Realme UI name. Existing device owners will need to watch their individual update eligibility, as Realme has not specified a complete list of models that will receive the transition.
The company expects the switch to be relatively smooth for users because the two interfaces have long shared many design elements. Realme and Oppo are part of the same corporate group, and their Android software has developed with visible similarities over the years.
Rather than maintaining a separate interface, Realme will now use the same software platform as Oppo. ColorOS 17 will therefore become the new software face of future Realme smartphone lines.
Software Changes Across Oppo Brands
| Brand | System change | Affected devices |
|---|---|---|
| Realme | New phones will run ColorOS 17 | New phones and eligible older devices |
| OnePlus | OxygenOS development ends in favor of ColorOS | Beginning with Android 17 |
Realme’s decision is part of a wider Oppo strategy to consolidate software platforms across its brands. OnePlus had previously announced that it would stop developing OxygenOS and begin using ColorOS with Android 17.
Maintaining several separate Android interfaces requires substantial resources. Each platform needs its own development team, software testing process, and update schedule.
A shared system can simplify both development work and the distribution of software updates. Oppo also intends the consolidation to speed up updates for supported devices.
Announcement Came Through Weibo
Realme confirmed the end of Realme UI through its Weibo account on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The statement followed reports that Realme’s software platform would be unified with Oppo’s.
The company has presented the transition as a change in software branding and platform direction rather than a complete redesign for users. The longstanding overlap between Realme UI and ColorOS is expected to reduce the adjustment required after an update.
Indonesia Operations Remain Unchanged
The software announcement was not accompanied by any stated operational changes in overseas markets, including Indonesia. At a second-half 2026 distributor conference in Hong Kong, Realme Vice President and CMO Chase Xu said distribution, organizational structure, employee numbers, and the business model would continue as usual.
Realme Indonesia Public Relations Manager Krisva Angnieszca made a similar statement to tekno.kompas.com. “Realme’s operations in Indonesia remain the same as usual,” she said.
The shift is therefore focused on the operating software used by Realme phones, not on the brand’s business presence in Indonesia. For current owners, update eligibility will be the key factor in determining whether their device moves from Realme UI to ColorOS.