Smartwatches have become something of an essential device, offering fitness tracking, notifications, and minimalist style. The , which rolled out in February 2025, initially wowed with its colorful screen and lengthy battery life.
But a bumpy start followed, with a typo on the watch showing ‘Made in China’ and a dramatic price surge from US$329.99 to US$499.99 due to U.S. tariffs on imports of goods.
This generated controversy, with the 50% jump pricing it above competitors like the 3.OnePlus has now revealed a permanent price reduction to US$349.99, providing refunds to early customers. This piece explores the tariff controversy, the price adjustment, and the OnePlus Watch 3’s position in the 2025 smartwatch landscape.
