OnePlus has officially confirmed that its next flagship, the OnePlus 15, will debut in a distinctive dune-inspired “Sand Storm” edition. This launch marks a significant industry first, as the device introduces aerospace-grade Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO) to the smartphone’s mid-frame and camera deco.

Desert-Inspired Design Meets Aerospace Engineering

Drawing inspiration from the textures and tones of desert landscapes, the Sand Storm edition blends rugged durability with minimalist elegance. At the core of this new finish is a high-voltage plasma MAO process, which applies a ceramic layer directly onto the metal frame. According to OnePlus, the result is a material that’s:

• 3.4× harder than aluminium frames

• 1.3× tougher than titanium frames

Despite its resilience, the process maintains a more sustainable environmental footprint than traditional treatments. Complementing this aerospace-grade frame is a lightweight fibreglass back, sculpted for balance and finished with a silky matte texture to ensure a comfortable grip.

Built for Power, Intelligence, and Design

The OnePlus 15 is positioned as a two-generation leap forward in performance and design. Continuing the brand’s legacy of pushing mobile performance, it will be among the first smartphones to feature the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform. To maximise the chipset’s capabilities, OnePlus is also equipping the device with an upgraded cooling system, engineered to deliver sustained peak performance and energy efficiency even under demanding use.

The design philosophy has been rethought entirely, with a cleaner, more refined aesthetic that reflects OnePlus’s premium design direction.

What’s Next?

While OnePlus has yet to confirm the full spec sheet, the company promises more details will be revealed as the global launch date approaches. With its aerospace-inspired engineering and next-gen chipset, the OnePlus 15 Sand Storm edition looks set to redefine how durability, performance, and design come together in a flagship smartphone.