OnePlus Watch could come in a sporty design as well as a standard one
Some smartwatch patents have leaked
The OnePlus Watch is expected to be the company's second wearable device, after the OnePlus Band, and you might be able to buy the watch with distinct straps depending on what you plan to do with it.
OnePlus Watch patents have been filed in the German Patent and Trademark Office, and spotted by website TechnikNews. They show the smartwatch with the same body, but different straps, with one seemingly being leather (or perhaps faux-leather) while the other looks like a silicone-style material.
- These are the best smartwatches
- The OnePlus 9 is coming soon
- Check out our OnePlus 8T review
Traditionally, leather (or substitutes) have been used in fashion smartwatches, while silicone-family straps have been used for fitness watches, as it can be more breathable and adjustable, and doesn't warp and rot from moisture like sweat as leather does.
So by the looks of it, the OnePlus Watch could work with multiple bands, so if you want a quick workout before a social engagement, for example, you can easily swap between the two straps.
To buy or not to buy?
Many smartwatches have removable and replaceable straps, so if these patents do actually represent actual straps OnePlus has created, it remains to be seen if both bands actually come with the device, or if you have to buy one.
A fair few smartwatches come with various bands in the box, so you can start using both straight away, and don't have to buy any extras.
However, some only come with one band which is the case with the Apple Watch. You can buy Apple Watches with a range of band materials, depending on how you think you'd use the smartwatch, though you can buy new ones if you prefer to mix it up.
Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox
Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.
So which will the OnePlus Watch go for? While we can't say for certain, it seems likely if the patent includes both smartwatch straps along with the body, it's because you can buy them together - so these could be the two 'default' options when you buy the smartwatch.
This is just a patent though, showing a company is considering an idea, so it's no confirmation OnePlus will offer this two-band swap when the smartwatch comes out. We'll have to wait and see.
Via GSMArena
Tom Bedford was deputy phones editor on TechRadar until late 2022, having worked his way up from staff writer. Though he specialized in phones and tablets, he also took on other tech like electric scooters, smartwatches, fitness, mobile gaming and more. He is based in London, UK and now works for the entertainment site What To Watch.
He graduated in American Literature and Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia. Prior to working on TechRadar, he freelanced in tech, gaming and entertainment, and also spent many years working as a mixologist.