The wearable tech landscape is evolving rapidly, with OnePlus making strategic moves to enhance its smartwatch offerings. The company is addressing key user concerns while simultaneously pursuing FDA approval for advanced health features, signaling a serious commitment to competing in the premium smartwatch market.
Size Optimization Coming Soon
OnePlus has acknowledged user feedback regarding the Watch 3's size and weight concerns. Dr. Leo Zhang, Head of R&D at the OnePlus Health Lab, has confirmed that the company will address the current 46mm watch's heaviness issue within 2025. This development aims to make the device more accessible to users with smaller wrists, particularly addressing feedback from female users who find the current 80g (with strap) weight excessive.
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| The OnePlus Watch 3, focusing on design adjustments to improve size and weight for better user experience |
FDA Approval Strategy
In a significant move to enhance its health monitoring capabilities, OnePlus is actively pursuing FDA approval for its sleep apnea detection feature. This comes after the Watch 3 launched without FDA certification for its ECG feature in the US market. The company's focus on sleep apnea detection appears strategic, especially considering Apple's recent approval for similar functionality in their latest watch series.
Battery Life Advantage
OnePlus maintains a significant edge in battery performance, offering an impressive 120-hour runtime compared to competitors. This extended battery life particularly benefits sleep tracking capabilities, eliminating the common concern of overnight charging that plagues many smartwatches. The ability to conduct multiple nights of continuous sleep monitoring without charging represents a major advantage in the wearable market.
Global Expansion Plans
The company is also working on expanding its connectivity options, particularly in international markets. While LTE functionality is currently limited to China, OnePlus is actively engaging with carriers, prioritizing European market expansion. This systematic approach to market development suggests a careful strategy for global growth, though US market expansion appears to be a longer-term goal.