OnePlus smartphones could leave U.S. and Europe this week

We may need to pour one out for OnePlus in the very near future.

German news outlet WinFuture (via PCMag) reports that OnePlus, which has carved out a niche by offering more affordable phones with flagship specs over the years, will soon cease operations in the U.S. and Europe.

The announcement is reportedly expected from Chinese parent company Oppo as soon as this week.

No reason for the cessation of OnePlus has been mentioned. However, messaging around OnePlus, in reporting and in official company statements, has been moving in this direction for months now.

AndroidHeadlines first reported the surprising news back in January, before OnePlus told PCMag back in April it was "evaluating its regional roadmap and product strategy" in North America.

Now it seems that evaluation has concluded.

For Android enthusiasts in the west, this is a real bummer. While the likes of Google and Samsung still produce quality handsets, OnePlus would regularly swoop in and offer phones of a similar quality for under $1,000, with last year's OnePlus 15 being a good example.

Perhaps the brand just never found footing in such a competitive market, and surely RAMageddon didn't help OnePlus's quest to offer semi-affordable devices, but taking away one of the best Android alternatives in the west isn't going to help anybody.

If this is the end, it's been good, OnePlus. Perhaps Oppo can find another way to sell its wares in the U.S. and Europe soon.