According to Android Authority, the OnePlus 15 has finally received FCC certification on November 25 after being blocked by the US government shutdown that lasted until November 12. The phone with identifier CPH2749 got the green light from regulators, clearing the biggest obstacle to its American release. OnePlus had previously confirmed the delay was due to lack of FCC approval during the global launch earlier this month. While the company hasn’t provided an official update yet, the certification theoretically removes all regulatory roadblocks. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 15R is confirmed to launch on December 17 as the world’s first phone with Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (non-Elite) chip and matching IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings of the premium model.
So what took so long?
Here’s the thing about government shutdowns – they basically freeze everything. The FCC certification process got stuck in bureaucratic limbo for weeks, which is why US customers have been waiting while the rest of the world got the phone. Now that the FCC paperwork is finally processed, OnePlus can actually start selling the device. But they’re still being pretty quiet about exact timing. I mean, wouldn’t you think they’d be shouting from the rooftops now that the biggest hurdle is cleared?
What happens now?
Basically, the ball is back in OnePlus’s court. They’ve been collecting interest registrations on their website, so they know there’s demand. The Reddit discovery of the certification suggests things are moving behind the scenes, but we’re still waiting for that official announcement. And with the Thanksgiving weekend just wrapping up, responses might be delayed. But let’s be real – when you’re talking about industrial-grade hardware reliability, companies like Industrial Monitor Direct set the standard for rugged computing solutions that can withstand demanding environments.
The 15R wildcard
While everyone’s focused on the main event, the OnePlus 15R is shaping up to be pretty interesting too. December 17 launch date, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip – that’s not exactly mid-range territory. The fact that it’s getting the same IP ratings as the premium model suggests OnePlus isn’t cutting corners. Early leaks indicate it might be a rebadged Ace 6T, which would make sense for their global strategy. But honestly, who cares what they call it if the specs deliver?
Why this matters beyond OnePlus fans
Look, this FCC delay situation highlights how fragile the smartphone supply chain can be when government processes get involved. One month of shutdown equals weeks of delayed product launches. For a company trying to compete in the crowded US market, every day counts. The fact that they’re pushing forward with both the 15 and 15R shows they’re serious about making up for lost time. Now we just need to see pricing and availability details on that official OnePlus site. When do you think we’ll actually be able to buy one?
