OnePlus Watch update just fixed the biggest problem

OnePlus Watch review
(Image credit: Future)

OnePlus' first wearable, the OnePlus Watch, met with some less-than-favorable reviews from some publications. One of the main complaints was that the watch lacked an Always-on Display (AOD). It looks like OnePlus is addressing this issue.

A few weeks ago, OnePlus let us know that it would fix these problems in future updates and here we are. Some users have reported receiving an update on their watches that adds AOD and a remote camera remote function, plus some other housekeeping stuff.

Our own Kate Kozuch really liked the OnePlus Watch in her review. She praised the performance and battery life. At $159, it's practically an impulse buy for a lot of people when it comes to wearables. The OnePlus Watch punches well above its weight and succeeds in a lot of areas.

Other reviewers weren't as pleased with the performance, citing poor calculations and a less-than-stellar UI.

AOD should have been included from the very beginning, though it's not all that surprising considering that OnePlus didn't include an AOD option on its phones until very recently. 

However, some of the watch's weaknesses are addressed in this update. It also adds a marathon workout mode to an already large register of available workout modes. 

The full changelog includes the following:

  • Add Always-on Display dial
  • Remote Control Camera function
  • Add Marathon workout
  • Optimize system UI details
  • Fix known issues and improve system stability.

OnePlus does stress, however, that AOD will have a significant impact on battery life. It could halve how long the watch lasts until it needs a charge again, so keep that in mind. AOD on watches is fine, but if you're wanting to get the most about your watch, you may want to consider keeping it off.

And you can now control your camera via your OnePlus Watch, which is nifty. OnePlus is rolling this update slowly to test for stability, and once it confirms that it's a workable update, more users will receive it.

Jordan Palmer
Phones Editor

Jordan is the Phones Editor for Tom's Guide, covering all things phone-related. He's written about phones for over six years and plans to continue for a long while to come. He loves nothing more than relaxing in his home with a book, game, or his latest personal writing project. Jordan likes finding new things to dive into, from books and games to new mechanical keyboard switches and fun keycap sets. Outside of work, you can find him poring over open-source software and his studies.

Read more
OnePlus Watch 3 watch face
OnePlus Watch 3 review: Good becomes great
OnePlus Watch 3
OnePlus Watch 3 looks to beat the Apple Watch with 5 days of battery life
oneplus watch 2
OnePlus Watch 3 leak reveals key design upgrade that adds a new way to navigate
Polar Grit X2 Pro on a person's wrist
Polar’s top smartwatches just got some useful new features via a free update — here are the 5 key upgrades
OnePlus 13 under water
7 features to try first on the OnePlus 13 — camera tools, walkie-talkie, OnePlus AI, and more
Coros Pace Pro
Coros smartwatches just got a big free software update — here are the best new features
Latest in OnePlus Phones
Oppo Find N5 from the top, partly open
OnePlus Open 2 could have been the best foldable of the year — so why is it not happening?
OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R
OnePlus reportedly developing massive smartphone batteries — what we know
Oppo Find N5 partly open, from behind
We won't be getting the OnePlus Open 2 this year
OnePlus 13 back
Major OnePlus leak claims OnePlus 13 Mini is actually OnePlus 13T — here's the specs
OnePlus 13R main interface
I left my OnePlus 13R alone for a week — and I was shocked at what happened when I returned
oppo find 5 teaser images showcasing thickness
OnePlus Open 2 images reveal just how thin this foldable phone could be
Latest in News
A magnifying glass on top of the Steam logo in a web browser
Valve just pulled a malicious game demo spreading info-stealing malware from Steam
Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari looks on during Sprint Qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China, on March 21, 2025. (Photo by Song Haiyuan/Paddocker/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
How to watch F1 Chinese GP 1 2025 online without cable – Sprint race, Qualifying
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Saturday, March 22 (#650)
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 — 7 biggest questions that need answers at Nintendo Direct April 2
iPhone 17 Air render
iPhone 17 Air — new survey could be bad news for Apple's super thin iPhone
Segway g30lp
Segway recalls 220,000 electric scooters - what to do if yours is on the list