OnePlus Ditches Invite Requirement for OnePlus 2

Don't get too excited: OnePlus isn't ditching its invite system entirely. However, the company announced today that it has officially dropped invites for the OnePlus 2.

Starting Dec. 5, you'll be able to buy the smartphone as soon as you want to get it—no waiting around for an invite from OnePlus or a OnePlus 2-owning friend.

"The invite system has been crucial to letting us scale our operations and has given our fans a unique way to share OnePlus with the people in their lives. But we are always trying to enhance the OnePlus experience for you and taking risks to push ourselves and show real improvements. That's why we're making the OnePlus 2 invite-free…forever," OnePlus said in a forum post.

"That's right; you'll never again need an invite to purchase the OnePlus 2. We're proud to be able to make the OnePlus 2 invite-free so soon and hope this will make getting your very own OnePlus 2 a cheerfully easy experience."

If, for some reason, you'd rather have a OnePlus X (we found the OnePlus 2 to be a much better smartphone than the OnePlus X in our testing), you'll still have to deal with the OnePlus invite system. However, the manufacturer is planning to run a special promotion from December 5–7, which will allow you to purchase a OnePlus X without any invite whatsoever.

"We will be keeping the invitation system for the foreseeable future. In order to get a OnePlus X, you will need to be invited by another OnePlus device owner or by participating in our contests and promotions. Follow us for the most up-to-date information," reads OnePlus' website.

There is one another workaround: buy the new OnePlus iPhone case for $20, which comes with a OnePlus X invite.

During this time, you'll also be able to pick up a OnePlus 2 StyleSwap cover for half off, get a 90 percent discount on some other OnePlus One accessories, or buy other accessories with a (much smaller) 10 percent discount. Any devices or accessories you order by Dec. 7 should arrive in time for the holiday season.