OnePlus set an interesting precedent with the Watch 3 and Wear OS 5. Before its release, the uncertainty surrounding updates for Wear OS watches from brands other than Samsung and Google was, frankly, a nightmare. Every other manufacturer seemed to have a different approach, resulting in a confusing and often frustrating experience for users. Would OnePlus follow suit, leaving its customers in the update wilderness? Would the OnePlus Watch 3 even launch with Wear OS 5 out of the box, or would it be another case of delayed gratification (read: perpetual waiting)? The answer, it turns out, is more positive than many dared hope.
We now have a clearer picture of OnePlus’s Wear OS 5 rollout strategy. The OnePlus Watch 3, against all odds, did indeed ship with Wear OS 5, setting a new standard for timely updates in the Wear OS ecosystem. This wasn’t just some watered-down version either; it was the full deal, offering all the features and functionality expected from the latest OS. This is a significant win for OnePlus, building trust and showcasing their commitment to providing a consistent and up-to-date user experience. The question remains: how long will this level of support continue?
And here’s where things get interesting. OnePlus has committed to providing two years of OS updates and three years of security updates for the OnePlus Watch 3. That’s a solid commitment, especially in the fast-paced world of smartwatches where updates often feel like a distant dream. This surpasses the expectations of many, putting OnePlus in the relatively exclusive club of companies prioritizing long-term software support for their wearables.
What about the OnePlus Watch 2? Will it also receive the Wear OS 5 update? The answer is a resounding yes! OnePlus has confirmed that the Watch 2 will indeed be upgraded to Wear OS 5. While the exact timeline remains unannounced, the commitment itself is a significant step forward. It demonstrates a level of dedication to keeping older devices relevant and secure, a feature often lacking in the wearable market.
This surprisingly smooth rollout of Wear OS 5 by OnePlus is a breath of fresh air in the often-turbulent world of smartwatch updates. It raises the bar for other brands, prompting the question: will this spur more manufacturers to prioritize timely updates and long-term support? Only time will tell, but OnePlus has certainly set a positive example.
Speaking of unexpected smooth rides, I remember one time I tried to use a smartwatch to track my cycling progress. I had just started cycling seriously, and I was convinced this watch would help me conquer the Tour de France. Well, it promptly died after 20 minutes of mountain biking. I looked like a bewildered, sweat-soaked mime, gesturing wildly at the now-lifeless device strapped to my wrist. Apparently, the GPS, heart rate monitor, and altitude tracker decided to launch a full-scale revolt against the battery, resulting in a catastrophic system shutdown. I had to resort to the age-old method of relying on feelings and an extremely rough guesstimate of distance to measure my progress. It certainly added to the challenge, that’s for sure.
On another occasion, I attempted to use a smartwatch’s sleep tracking feature. The intention was to monitor my sleep patterns and improve my sleep hygiene. In reality, it provided a hilarious misrepresentation of my night, claiming I’d had a full nine hours of deep sleep despite me vividly remembering a dramatic three-hour battle against a particularly aggressive mosquito and a subsequent two-hour session of frustrated tossing and turning. My deep sleep score was through the roof, which was a nice little lie for a sleep-deprived person to read in the morning.
| OnePlus Watch Model | Wear OS 5 Update | OS Update Commitment | Security Update Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| OnePlus Watch 3 | Yes (Launched with it) | 2 years | 3 years |
| OnePlus Watch 2 | Yes (Confirmed) | To be announced | To be announced |
In conclusion, OnePlus has demonstrated an impressive commitment to software updates with its handling of Wear OS 5. This positive experience stands in stark contrast to the often chaotic update landscape of other Wear OS brands. Let’s hope this sets a new, more user-friendly standard for the industry as a whole.
