OnePlus 9 codename leaks ahead of its expected April 2021 launch

OnePlus phone
(Image credit: OnePlus)

Just a few days after we wrote our OnePlus 9 feature wishlist, a leaker tweeted that the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro are currently in development with a refreshing codename.

'Lemonade' is what the OnePlus 9 series is being called, at least internally, according to tipster Max J.. Maybe we'll see a phone refreshingly feature-filled and colorful. 

To that end, the tweet included a photoshopped image of OnePlus' alleged codename, overlapped by two blue, flat-display phones that are meant represent the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro.

In replies to the tweet, however, Max J. said that the color choice was 'made up', as he doesn't know the lineup's color variants yet. And when someone asked if the OnePlus 9 would be curved like the OnePlus 8 or flat like the OnePlus 8T, he said that he 'can't confirm or deny a curved screen at this point.'

He would only say that he expects the new lineup to launch in April 2021, which tracks with our own independent prediction of April or May 2021. However, this appeared to be a guess, not leaked information.

(Via Phone Arena)

Still mostly unknown

Overall, we didn't learn much from this leak outside of the codename, possibly because OnePlus itself hasn't nailed down the details and differences yet.

Based on our own OnePlus 9 predictions and hopes, the 2021 OnePlus phone could finally adopt wireless charging, an enhanced telephoto lens, a larger battery, improved camera resolution, palm rejection tech and two selfie cameras.

Max J. did reveal in a separate tweet that the OnePlus 8 originally had five color options: 'Blue, Yellow, Red, Purple and an Aura Glow like color.' Considering we ended up with only three color choices, it's interesting to see which colors were eventually abandoned.

While this is pure speculation, it would not be surprising if the missing yellow color scheme made a reappearance for the Lemonade line of OnePlus phones.

Otherwise, we'll have to keep waiting for more concrete spec information to leak in the coming months.

Michael Hicks

Michael Hicks began his freelance writing career with TechRadar in 2016, covering emerging tech like VR and self-driving cars. Nowadays, he works as a staff editor for Android Central, but still writes occasional TR reviews, how-tos and explainers on phones, tablets, smart home devices, and other tech.

Latest in OnePlus Phones
OnePlus 13
OnePlus is ditching the Alert Slider for an iPhone-style customizable button - and I’ll be sad to see it go
OnePlus Open camera bump up close
Bad news: the OnePlus Open 2 won’t be released in 2025, OnePlus confirms
The Oppo Find N5 next to the Galaxy Z Fold 6
OnePlus Open 2 could make the Galaxy Fold 6 look old with invisible crease, according to new teaser
OnePlus 13R from the back
New OnePlus Mini 13 leak suggests its camera setup won't be as impressive as we thought
OnePlus Open
Oppo is launching the world's thinnest foldable in two weeks – and the OnePlus Open 2 should follow soon
OnePlus Open
The OnePlus Open 2 rumored to get a camera upgrade even the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra doesn't have
Latest in News
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
Samsung's rumored smart specs may be launching before the end of 2025
Apple iPhone 16 Review
The latest iPhone 18 leak hints at a major chipset upgrade for all four models
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #1155)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #386)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #652)
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #1154)