The OnePlus Watch 3 launch has faced significant challenges since its unveiling in February, initially scheduled for shipping on February 25. A typo, “Meda in China,” led to a release delay, although some early pre-orders were fulfilled with offers for free returns. Now, the Watch 3 is available for order on the OnePlus website in the US at a shocking price of $499.99, up from the original $329.99, reflecting a 51% increase likely due to tariffs on Chinese goods. This price hike could hinder its market success, despite the device’s quality and the company’s strong reputation in Wear OS watches.
The launch saga of the OnePlus Watch 3 persists, sadly. The device was revealed back in February, with pre-orders opening up immediately and a slated shipping date of February 25. However, a “Meda in China” typo on the back of the initial batch of watches led to a delay in its release, despite some customers having already received their pre-orders (they were also offered free returns if the erroneous “Meda in China” inscription was bothersome).
Fast forward to now, and the OnePlus Watch 3 is finally available for order again on the OnePlus website in the US. The major catch? It’s now priced at $499.99, an outrageous amount compared to the originally advertised $329.99. This marks a whopping 51% increase, and while the company has not offered any clarification (which is certainly not a favorable look), we suspect this is tied to former US President Trump’s tariffs on China, where the OnePlus Watch 3 is undoubtedly produced.
It’s disheartening to see politics interfere with quality products, which the Watch 3 certainly is. However, at $499.99, it becomes a much harder sell for most consumers compared to the previous price of $329.99. Thus, it remains to be seen how it will perform in the US market. We hope this doesn’t spell the end for OnePlus watches — since the launch of the OnePlus Watch 2 last year, the company has arguably produced some of the finest Wear OS watches available, and we look forward to seeing that legacy continue.