When Vivo Communication Technology Co., Ltd. unveiled OriginOS 6 at its Developer Conference in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China on October 10, 2025, it didn’t just announce an update—it signaled the end of an era. The company confirmed that OriginOS 6 will fully replace Funtouch OS across all eligible Vivo and iQOO smartphones worldwide, with iQOO devices getting first dibs. For users in India, where Vivo holds nearly 15% of the smartphone market, this isn’t just a UI tweak. It’s the biggest software overhaul in years—and it’s coming faster than most expected.
From Beta to Global: The Rollout Timeline
The journey began quietly on September 29, 2025, when Vivo opened its OriginOS 6 Preview Program to a small group of beta testers in China. Just 11 days later, the official debut happened in Dongguan. But here’s the twist: while some outlets like GSMArena claimed a global launch on October 15, 2025, others—like Cashify and Moneycontrol—paint a more realistic picture. The truth? There’s no single global release date. Instead, it’s a phased rollout.
According to Moneycontrol’s October 14, 2025 report, iQOO devices will get updates in three waves: Phase 1 in early November 2025, Phase 2 in mid-November, and Phase 3 by mid-December. That’s a stark contrast to standard Vivo models, which are expected to follow in Q1 2026. The reason? iQOO is Vivo’s performance-focused sub-brand, and its users—gamers, power users, early adopters—are the ideal test group for a major OS shift.
And yes, Nipun Marya, CEO of iQOO India, made it official on Twitter on October 10: "OriginOS 6 is finally making its debut in India. Vivo users have been waiting for a fresh update for a while, and now they get to use it in a couple of months." That "couple of months"? That’s the window everyone’s watching.
What’s New in OriginOS 6? A Look Under the Hood
It’s not just about aesthetics. OriginOS 6 brings tangible improvements. As detailed in a November 1, 2025 YouTube analysis by Abdul Fazil (known as Mr. Android FHD), the OS now features "buttery smooth and fluid animations"—a major leap from the sometimes-stuttering transitions in Funtouch OS. Lockscreen customization? Expanded. Settings menus? Completely redesigned for quicker access. And then there’s the "Origin Island" feature, a new widget-like dashboard that consolidates apps, shortcuts, and smart actions into one swipeable hub.
At 04:33 in his video, Fazil points out the "gorgeous wallpapers"—a subtle but telling detail. Vivo’s design team clearly invested in visual polish. But not everything is perfect. At 04:52, he notes that homescreen customization still has limits compared to Samsung’s One UI or Google’s Pixel Launcher. And yes, he asks outright: "Is this too much like iOS?" That’s the elephant in the room. OriginOS 6 borrows heavily from Apple’s clean, grid-based aesthetic, especially in app icons and control center layout. It’s a strategic pivot—Vivo wants to feel premium, and familiarity helps.
Eligibility: Which Phones Get the Update?
Not every device will get the upgrade. Based on user reports from October 13–15, 2025, the Vivo V50e and iQOO Neo 10R are confirmed candidates, with users expecting updates in November. The iQOO 13 already received a minor bug fix for OriginOS 6, while the iQOO Neo7 Pro got a security patch in October. Newer flagships like the Vivo X300 series and iQOO 15 will ship with OriginOS 6 pre-installed starting October 13, 2025.
But what about older models? Vivo hasn’t released an official list. That’s frustrating. Users are left guessing, and forums are flooded with questions. "Will my Vivo Y73 get it?" "What about the iQOO 9?" The lack of transparency is a missed opportunity. For a company that’s spent years building trust in markets like India, clear communication matters.
Why This Matters Beyond the UI
This isn’t just about better animations. OriginOS 6 represents a corporate pivot. BBK Electronics, Vivo’s former parent, dissolved in April 2023—two and a half years ago, as one user noted. With that restructuring, Vivo now operates as an independent entity, and OriginOS 6 is its first true software statement as a standalone brand. It’s signaling to the world: we’re not just a hardware maker. We’re a software player.
And the stakes are high. According to Counterpoint Research’s 2024 data, Vivo and iQOO together have over 200 million active users globally. If OriginOS 6 delivers on performance, it could boost retention and reduce the churn to Samsung or Xiaomi. But if it’s buggy, slow, or feels like a half-baked iOS clone? Users will abandon it faster than a bad charger.
What’s Next? Beta Sign-Ups and the Road Ahead
Users can already register for early access through the official Vivo and iQOO apps. But here’s the catch: Vivo hasn’t disclosed eligibility rules. Is it based on device model? Region? Loyalty? No one knows. That ambiguity is a red flag. For a company that markets itself as user-centric, this feels like a step backward.
The next 90 days will be critical. If the November iQOO rollouts are smooth, Vivo will likely accelerate the broader update. If not? Expect delays—and backlash. And let’s not forget: this is the first major software update since the global chip shortage. How well Vivo handles this rollout will say a lot about its long-term commitment to software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Vivo and iQOO phones are confirmed to get OriginOS 6?
Confirmed devices include the iQOO 13, iQOO 15, iQOO Neo7 Pro, Vivo X300 series, Vivo V50e, and iQOO Neo 10R. Older models like the iQOO 9 and Vivo Y73 are unconfirmed, and Vivo has not released an official compatibility list. Users are advised to check the official Vivo or iQOO app for personalized update notifications.
Why is iQOO getting OriginOS 6 before standard Vivo phones?
iQOO is Vivo’s performance-oriented sub-brand, targeting gamers and tech enthusiasts who demand faster updates and higher performance. By prioritizing iQOO, Vivo tests OriginOS 6 on a more demanding user base before rolling it out to mass-market Vivo devices. This reduces risk and helps iron out bugs before wider deployment.
When will OriginOS 6 arrive in India?
iQOO devices in India are expected to receive updates in three phases: early November, mid-November, and mid-December 2025. Standard Vivo models will follow in Q1 2026. Nipun Marya, CEO of iQOO India, confirmed the rollout will begin "in a couple of months" after the October 10 announcement, aligning with this timeline.
Can I manually install OriginOS 6 if I’m not on the list?
No. Vivo does not support unofficial installations or custom ROMs for OriginOS 6. Attempting to flash the OS manually may brick your device or void your warranty. The only safe method is through official OTA updates via the Vivo or iQOO app. Beta access is limited to registered users in approved regions.
Does OriginOS 6 improve battery life?
Early beta testers report modest battery improvements—around 8–12% longer usage under similar conditions—thanks to optimized background app management and a more efficient rendering engine. However, these gains vary by device. Full battery metrics won’t be available until the stable global release, which is expected in Q1 2026.
Is OriginOS 6 a response to Samsung or Apple?
Yes, indirectly. OriginOS 6’s cleaner interface, grid-based layout, and iOS-like control center suggest Vivo is aiming to compete with Samsung’s One UI and Apple’s iOS in terms of perceived polish and simplicity. But it’s not copying—it’s adapting. Vivo’s goal is to elevate its brand perception from budget-friendly to premium, especially in markets like India and Southeast Asia where design matters as much as specs.
