OnePlus and McLaren are unlikely to introduce another co-branded smartphone, 9to5Google reports.
Several users on Reddit discovered that OnePlus doesn't appear in the list of partners for McLaren's 2020 Formula One season. It did in the past, but McLaren updated the list recently to hide OnePlus' name and logo. McLaren does, however, continue highlighting other technology-focused partners such as Logitech, Splunk, and Alienware.
In exchange for sponsoring its F1 team, OnePlus released the OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition and the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren Edition. OnePlus modified existing flagships with additional capabilities and sold them at higher prices. McLaren edition smartphones also included unique designs and premium retail boxes. It's unclear how many units of either were sold, though.
Both companies also teased the Concept One in 2020. McLaren co-developed the technology that allows a rear-facing camera to turn invisible while not in use. OnePlus and McLaren worked on the invisible camera feature over an 18-month period.
Losing out on McLaren won't hurt OnePlus. It rolled out the OnePlus 8 and the OnePlus 8 Pro last month, and the 'OnePlus Z' might join the lineup this summer. OnePlus also reorganized operations in Europe, which will reduce costs and streamline processes throughout the entire business. Now, OnePlus just needs to focus on attracting mainstream consumers who normally limit their choices to Apple or Samsung.
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