OnePlus fans eagerly awaiting the release of the OnePlus Watch 3 will have to exercise a bit more patience. The highly anticipated smartwatch, originally scheduled for launch today in select markets, has now been delayed until April 2025. The reason? A rather embarrassing typographical error on the device’s backplate, where the phrase “Made in China” was mistakenly engraved as “Meda in China.”
Production Halted Over Embarrassing Typo
The issue came to light shortly after OnePlus officially unveiled the Watch 3 last week and began taking pre-orders. Reports emerged that the entire first production batch of the watch had been affected by the typo, leading OnePlus to take immediate action.
While the smartwatch remains fully functional, the company made the decision to halt production and correct the mistake before proceeding with mass distribution. This means customers who were expecting to receive their pre-orders soon will now have to wait several weeks longer than expected.
OnePlus has confirmed that customers who receive units with the typo can request a free replacement if they find the issue bothersome.
Pre-Orders Still Open With Discounts
Despite the delay, pre-orders remain open, and the company is still offering a minimum $30 discount for those who place orders in advance. Depending on the region, some markets are providing even bigger discounts.
While this news may be disappointing for those eager to get their hands on the OnePlus Watch 3, OnePlus is attempting to soften the blow by ensuring affected customers won’t have to pay extra or go through a complicated return process to receive the corrected version.
A History of Smartwatch Issues for OnePlus
This is not the first time OnePlus has faced challenges with its smartwatch lineup. The original OnePlus Watch received harsh criticism due to its poor software experience and unreliable fitness tracking. The OnePlus Watch 2, while better received, encountered shipping and availability issues in several markets before it eventually redeemed the brand’s reputation.
The OnePlus Watch 3 was meant to be the company’s cleanest, most refined smartwatch launch yet. However, this production oversight has cast an unfortunate shadow over an otherwise promising device.
What’s New With the OnePlus Watch 3?
The OnePlus Watch 3 boasts a redesigned aesthetic with a proper rotating crown, improved battery life, and a better integration with OxygenOS and Wear OS. According to early testers, the smartwatch has performed well in preliminary reviews, offering an upgraded user experience compared to its predecessors.
OnePlus has also hinted at additional versions of the Watch 3, including an LTE variant and a smaller-sized model, expected to launch later this year.
What’s Next?
For now, customers who have pre-ordered the OnePlus Watch 3 will have to wait until April 2025 for the revised, typo-free version to arrive. The company has not yet announced an exact new release date but assures users that it is working diligently to fix the issue.
While this delay may frustrate some early adopters, OnePlus remains committed to delivering a high-quality, error-free product—even if it takes a little longer than expected.
For those interested in a deep dive into the OnePlus Watch 3’s features and performance, stay tuned for our full review once the corrected units hit the market.
