The wearable market sees another premium contender as OnePlus finally releases its latest smartwatch in the United States, though with pricing that has caught many potential buyers by surprise. After delays related to manufacturing issues, the OnePlus Watch 3 is now available for purchase, but with a significantly higher price point than initially announced, potentially reflecting the impact of recent trade policies.
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| Promotional advertisement for the OnePlus Watch 3 highlighting its recent US release and pricing |
Delayed Launch Finally Arrives
The OnePlus Watch 3 officially went on sale in the United States on April 10, 2025, following a delay of over a month. The company had originally planned to release the smartwatch on February 25 but postponed the launch after discovering an embarrassing engraving error on the first batch of devices. The initial units mistakenly featured Meda in China instead of Made in China on their casings, forcing OnePlus to correct the typo before proceeding with the full market release.
Surprising Price Increase
What has shocked potential customers is the substantial price increase compared to what was initially communicated. The OnePlus Watch 3 was originally announced with a price tag of USD $330, positioning it as a competitive option in the mid-to-high-end smartwatch market. However, now that sales have officially opened, consumers are finding the device listed at USD $499.99 on the company's website—representing a USD $170 increase from the expected price point.
Potential Tariff Impact
While OnePlus has not provided official clarification on the reason behind this significant price hike, industry observers speculate that recently implemented US-China tariffs may be the culprit. According to reports, President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs of up to 145% on electronics imported from China, which took effect on the same day as the OnePlus Watch 3's US launch. When contacted for comment, OnePlus told Android Central via email that they don't have any additional information to share at this time, which seems to lend credence to the tariff theory.
Trade War Implications
The timing of the price increase aligns perfectly with the escalation of trade tensions between the United States and China. The tech industry is particularly vulnerable to these tariffs, with Chinese manufacturers like OnePlus potentially facing difficult decisions about how to handle the increased costs of doing business in the American market. The OnePlus Watch 3 may be one of the first visible examples of how these trade policies directly impact consumer electronics pricing.
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| A close-up of the OnePlus Watch 3's bezel, emphasizing its design amidst discussions on pricing implications due to trade policies |
What This Means for Consumers
For American consumers interested in the OnePlus Watch 3, the new pricing positions the device in a different competitive bracket than originally intended. At USD $499.99, the smartwatch now competes with premium offerings from established brands like Apple and Samsung rather than occupying the value-oriented space OnePlus has traditionally targeted. Potential buyers will need to weigh whether the features and performance of the Watch 3 justify this higher price point.
Broader Industry Implications
The OnePlus Watch 3 situation may be indicative of a larger trend that could affect the entire consumer electronics market in the United States. If other manufacturers follow suit with similar price increases to offset tariff costs, consumers might face generally higher prices across various product categories. Companies with manufacturing facilities outside of China or those who have diversified their production locations may gain a competitive advantage in this new landscape.