OnePlus may leave Europe and the US, putting future watches in doubt

OnePlus is reportedly preparing to withdraw from Europe and the US, with an official announcement expected within days. Existing devices should continue to receive promised software support, but the report leaves the future of OnePlus smartwatch launches in both regions looking uncertain.

No new products after current stock sells

WinFuture says the decision has already been presented during closed press briefings. The report claims that no new OnePlus products will launch in Europe or the US once the remaining stock has been sold.

Previously announced software support is not expected to change. OnePlus would continue operating in China and India in a reduced form, while Oppo is expected to widen its European presence.

OnePlus has not confirmed the withdrawal at the time of writing, so this remains a report rather than an official announcement. Still, it follows months of warning signs. OnePlus Europe previously said it was evaluating its regional roadmap and product strategy, while its websites in several European countries began directing shoppers towards Oppo products.

What this could mean for OnePlus watches

Of course, most of the attention will sit on OnePlus phones. But if the pullback covers the full product range, it would also bring the Western run of OnePlus smartwatches to an abrupt end.

That could make the recently launched OnePlus Watch 4 the final model officially released across these markets. It arrived in April with a titanium body, Wear OS 6, dual-band GPS and the multi-day battery formula that helped the series stand out from most Wear OS rivals.

I have tested several versions of the company’s watches, and the line had finally settled into a convincing rhythm. The larger model won me over in my OnePlus Watch 3 review with its battery life, reliable GPS and smooth dual-chip setup, while the 43mm version kept most of that experience in a case better suited to smaller wrists.

The OnePlus Watch Lite took another route by dropping Wear OS and concentrating on a lighter, simpler experience. It still delivered dependable heart-rate and GPS results in my testing, giving the range a useful lower-cost option rather than a watered-down flagship.

That variety is what would disappear. OnePlus had started covering both ends of the market, with full Wear OS models for people who wanted apps and Google services, plus a simpler watch for those who cared more about tracking and battery life.

Current owners should not panic

Current owners should not expect their watches to stop working if OnePlus confirms the exit. The report says previously promised software support should continue, while services such as Wear OS, Google Wallet and the OHealth app already sit within a wider software ecosystem.

The longer-term picture is less certain. Warranty handling, replacement availability and regional support could become more awkward as inventory clears, while future features will depend on how much attention Oppo continues to give existing OnePlus devices.

OnePlus has produced some of the better recent alternatives to Samsung and Google in the Wear OS market. If the report proves correct, smartwatch buyers will lose one of the few brands pushing genuine multi-day battery life on Google’s platform.