Donald E. McNamara 
Oppo revealed on social media that it will launch Oppo Watch on March 6, during its Oppo Find X2 launch event. Smartwatch images shared on social media show that Oppo spared no effort to copy the Apple Watch design. Even the product name and marketing materials are “inspired” by Apple’s popular smartwatch.
Oppo Watch or Apple Watch?
You might be excused if you mistake the Oppo Watch for an Apple Watch at first glance. The curved screen design and rounded corners scream at the lack of originality. The only major difference from Oppo Watch is the button layout. Instead of a digital crown on the right side of the watch, it has another button. Maybe the digital crown wasn’t cheap to copy?
It’s time to say hello to #OPPOWatch. ?
Unveiled at # OPPOFindX2 Launch event on March 6 at 10:30 a.m. CET. ?? pic.twitter.com/IwbOJnHoyg
– OPPO (@oppo) March 2, 2020
Even Brian Shen, vice president and president of global marketing at Oppo, proudly shared a glimpse of the Oppo watch, tweeting that its curved screen and 3D glass would be a game-changer.
Here’s another look at the upcoming OPPO watch. ? The curved screen and 3D glass will be a game-changer. ? pic.twitter.com/ozbl9BXNZq
– Brian Shen (@BrianShenYiRen) February 17, 2020
Oppo India President Elvis Zhou also gave a preview of the Oppo Watch at the Reno 3 Pro India launch event.
Zhou confirms two new truly wireless headphones, Enco Free and Enco W31. Also, Oppo Watch is coming this year# OPPOReno3Pro #oppowatch pic.twitter.com/f8LMPXeD2R
– IBTimes India technology (@IBTimesIN_Tech) March 2, 2020
Further observations of the Oppo Watch on social media have confirmed that it will ship with a heavily customized version of Google’s WearOS, which means it will be compatible with the iPhone as well.
Not much else is known about the Oppo Watch series other than the fact that it will be unveiled on March 6. At first glance, it will likely have an OLED display. Features like heart rate monitoring and fitness tracking usually come standard with all smartwatches. The smartwatch may support cellular connectivity, based on the image posted on social media by Oppo, but that’s just a guess. We wouldn’t be surprised if the different designs, color options, sizes and straps are also inspired by Apple’s selection.
Before anyone comes out in favor of Oppo’s shameless design theft, let me proactively list all the excuses people would make:
- The curved display, rounded corners and rectangular shape of the watch were not “invented by Apple”
- Apple wasn’t the first company to invent a smartwatch / watch.
- There are only certain ways to design an interface for a smartwatch.
- Apple Watch is failing, so who cares?
- iSheep.
Oppo isn’t the first manufacturer to blatantly copy the Apple Watch design for its smartwatch. Xiaomi Mi Watch and Amazfit GTS are also notable Apple Watch replicas. However, their offerings do not copy Apple Watch’s curved glass display and design to the level of Oppo Watch.
