The reasons behind Fossil’s decision are multi-layered. Since 2021, Google has focused on revitalizing the Wear OS platform in partnership with Samsung. This included the launch of Google’s own Pixel Watch in 2022. While these efforts have shown success, other Wear OS manufacturers — like Fossil — have found themselves on the sidelines. It’s unclear whether Fossil’s smartwatches will receive the much-anticipated Wear OS 4 update, since making the move away from the market seemed like the logical next step.
Google’s handling of Wear OS during its revival has left something to be desired, and many believe that prioritizing the Samsung partnership may have inadvertently contributed to the current situation. It’s possible that a more inclusive approach that helped established Wear OS brands transition to newer versions of the software could have created a more robust smartwatch ecosystem, instead of creating more fragmentation. It’s a puzzling decision that may be showing its fruits as we speak.
Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition
For now, those interested in a Fossil Wear OS smartwatch may still find some lingering stock at third-party retailers, and some can still find the Gen 6 Wellness Edition listed on sale for $79 on the Fossil website. However, with Fossil smartwatch stock dwindling, the company may as well be out, leaving the Android smartwatch field primarily occupied by Samsung, Google, and, to some extent, OnePlus. Smaller players like Mobvoi haven’t made the same impact with recent Wear OS releases, although the TicWatch Pro 5 has managed to gather some excitement.
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