The OnePlus Watch 3’s launch has faced challenges since its February announcement. Initially slated for pre-order at $329.99, issues arose due to a typo, which delayed its release. When it returned to the US market, it was priced at $499.99, likely a response to tariffs. Sales were slow, prompting OnePlus to revise the price to $349.99, still above the original but more acceptable. A spokesperson attributed the earlier price hike to market conditions, but adjustments allowed this reduction. Customers who paid $499.99 will receive a $150 refund as compensation for the price change.
The launch of the OnePlus Watch 3 has been quite turbulent thus far. Initially announced in February, it was available for pre-order with a shipping date of February 25, but then the release was hindered by a typo, “Meda in China,” on the back of the watch.
OnePlus took a few weeks to correct that mistake and resumed offering the watch in the US earlier this month, but at an exorbitant new price of $499.99 (compared to the original $329.99 at launch). We speculated this was OnePlus’s way of navigating US tariffs on products from China.
A few weeks later, it appears OnePlus hasn’t moved many units of the Watch 3 in the US. Consequently, they have now introduced a third price point for the device at $349.99. Although this is still a $20 increase from the initial announcement, it’s far more manageable for many consumers compared to the $499.99 price tag.
Spencer Blank, a spokesperson for OnePlus, informed The Verge that the previous price increase was due to “current market conditions,” but following “further evaluation” and some adjustments in the supply chain, they’re able to lower the price back down close to its original figure. Blank mentioned that $349.99 is the “final MSRP price and will not be changed going forward.”
For those who recently purchased the watch at $499.99, OnePlus will contact you to issue a $150 refund, which is a commendable move in a complex political climate.