The OnePlus 9 series was released earlier this year, with two models for most regions: the cheaper OnePlus 9, and the pricier OnePlus 9 Pro with an upgraded camera array and (slightly) larger screen. However, the entry-level OnePlus 9 Pro was continuously delayed, leaving anyone looking for a sub-$1,000 OnePlus phone to buy the non-Pro model. Now the company has confirmed the base OnePlus 9 Pro will never be available in the United States and Canada.
OnePlus is apparently not launching the cheaper OnePlus 9 Pro model in the United States, according to a statement provided to Android Police. When the company launched the OnePlus 9 series smartphones, the lower-specced 8GB/128GB 9 Pro was nowhere to be found. OnePlus initially pointed to delays, but today the company seems to make it clear that it won’t arrive. While the company does not go into detail over its “supply constraints,” it likely has to do with the global chip shortage that has been ravaging various corners of the tech and auto industry. Android Police has reached out for clarification.
While it’s unfortunate that the lower-specced OnePlus 9 Pro may never see U.S. shores, it makes sense that OnePlus would focus on the more expensive higher-end model. Unfortunately, that leaves many North American users with fewer options, having to splurge a bit more for the 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
OnePlus didn’t provide additional details about the supply constraints, but it’s likely related to the global semiconductor ship shortage, which is affecting the entire tech industry. However, OnePlus is seemingly able to manufacture the higher-end OnePlus 9 Pro for the US and Canada with no problems. The entry-level OnePlus 9 Pro is also readily available in India.
