Introduction

OriginOS is a custom Android-based operating system developed by Vivo, a prominent Chinese smartphone manufacturer. Designed to deliver a seamless blend of aesthetics, performance, and intelligence, OriginOS has evolved from a China-exclusive skin into a globally unified platform. Launched in 2020 as a successor to Funtouch OS in select markets, it emphasizes user-centric design, innovative interactions, and AI integration. As of October 2025, OriginOS 6 marks a pivotal milestone, replacing Funtouch OS worldwide and introducing advanced features based on Android 16. This guide provides an exhaustive overview of OriginOS, covering its origins, evolution, features, compatible devices, and future outlook.

History and Development

Vivo’s journey in mobile software began with Funtouch OS, a lightweight Android skin tailored for global markets. However, recognizing the need for a more distinctive and immersive experience, Vivo unveiled OriginOS on November 18, 2020, at its Developer Conference in Shenzhen, China. 30 The name “OriginOS” reflects a philosophy of “returning to the origin,” stripping away clutter to focus on simplicity, fluidity, and personalization. It was initially deployed on the Vivo X60 series, based on Android 11, and quickly expanded to other flagships. 30

The development stemmed from Vivo’s in-house R&D efforts, with over 10 centers worldwide contributing to reduced reliance on third-party providers. 34 Early iterations addressed criticisms of Funtouch OS’s dated interface, introducing elements like the “Klotski Grid” for dynamic home screen customization—inspired by the traditional Chinese sliding puzzle. 31 By 2021, OriginOS Ocean refined cross-device connectivity, and subsequent versions integrated AI and 5G optimizations.

The timeline highlights steady progression:

• 2020: OriginOS 1.0 (Android 11) – Debut on X60 series; focus on visual fluidity.
• 2021: OriginOS Ocean – Enhanced ecosystem integration.
• 2022: OriginOS 2/3 – AI-driven personalization and performance boosts.
• 2023: OriginOS 4 (Android 14) – Introduced vivo Sans font, Memory Fusion 4.0 for 15% better standby time, and lightweight processes reducing power use by 20%. 39
• 2024: OriginOS 5 – Deeper AI tools and sustained smoothness.
• 2025: OriginOS 6 (Android 16) – Global unification, announced October 10 in China and October 15 globally; retires Funtouch OS for a cohesive experience. 0 1 10

This evolution aligns with Vivo’s “More Local, More Global” strategy, serving over 400 million users across 60+ countries. 34

Core Philosophy and Design Principles

OriginOS is built on principles of natural intuition, drawing from human perception and environmental elements like light, shadow, and motion. The “Huaxi” (Light and Shadow) language in early versions evolved into the “Light and Shadow Space” in OriginOS 6, creating layered, translucent UIs with depth and realism. 2 13 It prioritizes:

• Simplicity: Minimalist layouts with adaptive elements.
• Fluidity: Natural animations mimicking real-world physics.
• Personalization: Extensive customization without overwhelming options.
• Intelligence: AI that anticipates user needs.

Influences include Apple’s iOS aesthetics (e.g., Liquid Glass-inspired translucency in OriginOS 6), but Vivo emphasizes originality through features like dynamic wallpapers that respond to tilt and time. 7 13 The new vivo Sans2 font supports 40+ languages with variable weights for global accessibility. 9

Key Features Across Versions

OriginOS has introduced groundbreaking features, with OriginOS 6 elevating them through AI and performance enhancements. Core innovations include:

General Features (Persistent Across Versions)

• Klotski/Huarong Grid: Flexible widget and icon arrangement on home/lock screens; resizable clocks and adaptive folders in OriginOS 6. 33
• Dynamic Wallpapers and Animations: Interactive backgrounds that change with user behavior, tilt, or time; Behavior Wallpapers adapt to routines.
• Nano Alerts: Compact, non-intrusive notifications for quick glances.
• Multi-Turbo Engine: Optimizes gaming, multitasking, and battery; evolved into Blue River Smooth Engine in OriginOS 6 for lag-free transitions. 0
• Privacy Tools: App cloning in Private Space, granular permissions, and data encryption. 33

OriginOS 6-Specific Innovations (Android 16)

Launched to “redefine human-computer interaction in the AI era,” OriginOS 6 focuses on smoothness (SGS-certified for 5-year endurance), design overhaul, and AI. 4 8

• Visual Upgrades:
  • Circular icons with curved widgets; texture-inspired from X Fold5. 1
  • Gradual Blur, Progressive Blur, Dynamic Glow, and Translucent Colour for layered depth. 13 15
  • Origin Island: Dynamic notification pill similar to Apple’s Dynamic Island. 0
  • Flip Cards: Dynamic photo displays; stacked notifications. 3
  • Revamped Control Center: Resizable titles, modern pull-down menu. 14
• Performance Enhancements:
  • Origin Smooth Engine: 18.5% faster app launches, 10.5% better frame stability, 106% quicker data loading under load; 8+1 Ultra-Core Computing and Snap-Up Engine for priority tasks. 8 11
  • Origin Animation: Spring, Blur Transition, Morphing, and One Shot effects for natural motion. 7 38
  • Scene Intelligence 2.0: Up to 18% better battery during intensive use. 36
• AI Integrations (Powered by Vivo AI and Google):
  • AI Erase/Photo Cleanup: Object removal from live photos. 6 29
  • Xiao V Assistant (2.0): Circle to Search, predictive typing, conversational search; AI Summary and Voice Prompts. 0 36
  • DocMaster: Document handling; Smart Call Assistant for transcription. 12
  • Little V Memory 2.0: Contextual screen organization. 36
• Ecosystem Features: Office Kit for cross-device file sharing/mirroring; enhanced smart home controls. 14 27

Compatible Devices and Rollout Timeline

OriginOS has primarily supported Vivo’s X, V, T, Y series, and iQOO lineup in China, with global expansion via OriginOS 6. Updates promise 2–4 years of OS support depending on the model. 22 As of October 2025, the OriginOS 6 beta is live for select flagships; stable rollout begins November 2025 in phases. 4 10

Phased Rollout for OriginOS 6 (Global, Including India):

• November 2025: Vivo X Fold5, X200 series (X200, X200 Pro), X300 (Pro); iQOO 13, Neo10 series. 1 21 29
• Mid-December 2025: Vivo V60e, V50 (e), T4 (Ultra/Pro); iQOO Neo10R, Neo9 Pro; S19 Pro. 27 37
• First Half 2026: Vivo X90 series, additional V/T/Y models (e.g., Y400, Y300, Y200, Y39 4G/Pro); iQOO 12 (Pro), 11 (s/Pro), Z9 series. 20 23 25 28

Full lists vary by region; check Settings > System > Software Update for availability. 27 Older devices like X80 series may receive security patches but not full OS upgrades.

Market Impact and Reception

OriginOS has bolstered Vivo’s market share in Asia, particularly China, by offering a premium alternative to MIUI and ColorOS. Its global debut with OriginOS 6 addresses long-standing user demands for unification, ending the Funtouch-Origin divide. 16 Reception praises the fluidity and AI, though some note initial adaptation challenges from Funtouch users. In India, the Preview Program has seen high registrations, signaling enthusiasm. 10

Challenges and Future Prospects

Challenges include regional rollout delays and ensuring compatibility with Google services globally. Vivo mitigates this through phased betas and partnerships like Zeiss for imaging AI. 34 Future updates may incorporate AR/VR, 6G optimizations, and sustainability features like advanced battery management. With Vivo’s 40,000 employees and focus on AI, OriginOS is poised to lead in intuitive mobile experiences. 34

Conclusion

OriginOS exemplifies Vivo’s vision for an intuitive, performant, and intelligent mobile ecosystem. From its 2020 inception to the transformative OriginOS 6 in 2025, it has redefined Android customization. As rollouts commence, users worldwide can expect a more connected, natural digital life. For the latest, visit Vivo’s official channels.

This guide is based on information available as of October 17, 2025.