OnePlus Watch 2 Owners Face Long Wait for Wear OS 5, While Watch 3 Gets Shorter Support
The promise of seamless software updates and long-term support is a crucial factor for consumers when choosing a smartwatch. After the somewhat protracted launch of the OnePlus Watch 3, equipped with the latest Wear OS 5 operating system, many eyes turned to the question of when the preceding OnePlus Watch 2 would receive the same treatment. Unfortunately, the news from OnePlus regarding the update timeline for their previous-generation smartwatch is far from encouraging, leaving existing users facing a significant delay.
According to statements made to Android Central, OnePlus has confirmed that the OnePlus Watch 2 will not be upgraded to Wear OS 5 until the third quarter (Q3) of 2025. This means that owners of the Watch 2 will have to endure a wait until at least July 2025 to experience the benefits of the new operating system. This is a particularly bitter pill to swallow considering that Google and Samsung, key players in the Wear OS ecosystem, began rolling out Wear OS 5 to their Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch devices as early as late 2024. This delay places OnePlus significantly behind its competitors in delivering the latest software features and improvements to its user base.
The underlying reasons for this substantial delay remain somewhat opaque. While OnePlus hasn’t provided a detailed explanation, the situation evokes comparisons with Mobvoi, another Wear OS device manufacturer known for experiencing considerable delays in software updates. Mobvoi’s challenges are often attributed to the complexities arising from their unique hardware configurations, suggesting that integrating new software with diverse hardware architectures can be a significant hurdle.
OnePlus, like Mobvoi, employs a dual-architecture system in its smartwatches, potentially contributing to the increased complexity of the update process. This dual-architecture approach, while offering certain performance or efficiency advantages, may introduce unforeseen challenges when adapting and optimizing new software releases. It’s important to note, however, that Google officially supports dual-architecture systems within Wear OS, so while it might add to the complexity, it shouldn’t be an insurmountable obstacle.
Without explicit clarification from OnePlus, the exact cause of the delay remains speculative. It could be a combination of factors, including hardware compatibility issues, resource allocation within OnePlus’s software development team, or unforeseen technical challenges encountered during the adaptation of Wear OS 5 for the Watch 2. Whatever the reason, the extended wait time is likely to disappoint OnePlus Watch 2 owners who were hoping for a more timely upgrade to the latest Wear OS version.
Compounding the frustration surrounding the Wear OS 5 update delay, OnePlus has also made another announcement that has raised eyebrows and sparked concern among potential buyers. In a rather perplexing decision, the company revealed that the newer OnePlus Watch 3 will actually receive a shorter period of software support compared to its predecessor. While the OnePlus Watch 2 was initially promised at least three years of software updates and support, the OnePlus Watch 3 is now slated to receive only two years of support.
This unexpected reduction in software support for the newer model defies conventional logic. Typically, newer devices are expected to enjoy longer support lifecycles, allowing users to benefit from the latest features, security updates, and performance improvements for an extended period. The decision to offer shorter support for the Watch 3 runs counter to this expectation and could potentially deter consumers who prioritize long-term software support when making their purchasing decisions.
The reasoning behind this seemingly counterintuitive move remains unclear. OnePlus has not offered a definitive explanation, leading to speculation that it could be a case of miscommunication or an oversight in the initial communication. If, however, this shortened support timeline is indeed the official policy, it would place OnePlus significantly behind the software support commitments offered by competitors like Google and Samsung. These companies have increasingly emphasized long-term software support for their smartwatches, providing several years of updates to ensure that their devices remain functional, secure, and feature-rich for an extended lifespan.
The combination of the delayed Wear OS 5 update for the Watch 2 and the shortened software support window for the Watch 3 presents a concerning picture for OnePlus’s commitment to software support in the smartwatch category. It raises questions about the company’s priorities and its long-term vision for its wearable devices. For consumers considering a OnePlus smartwatch, these developments highlight the importance of carefully evaluating the company’s software support policies and comparing them to those of competitors before making a purchase.
Ultimately, these issues could negatively impact consumer confidence in the OnePlus smartwatch ecosystem. Customers are increasingly aware of the importance of timely software updates and long-term support, and any perceived shortcomings in these areas could sway potential buyers towards competing brands that offer more robust and reliable software support.
OnePlus needs to address these concerns transparently and provide clear and convincing explanations for the delayed update and shortened support timeline. Without a strong commitment to consistent and timely software support, OnePlus risks losing ground in the competitive smartwatch market, where long-term value and ongoing functionality are key considerations for consumers. It is crucial for OnePlus to prioritize software support and ensure that its smartwatches receive the updates and features they need to remain competitive and meet the expectations of its user base. A failure to do so could undermine the brand’s reputation and impact its long-term success in the wearable technology space.
