After years of being the choice of many users, the Fossil Group smartwatch brand is now exiting the market. This information is coming as a shock to some people, especially those who have been waiting for the launch of the Fossil Gen 7 smartwatch. The entry was to succeed the Gen 6 smartwatch line-up that hit the launch stage back in 2021 and is still awaiting a successor.
Well, the Gen 6 smartwatch line-up might never see a successor as its manufacturer is throwing in the towel. Over the past few years, the smartwatch industry has become ever more competitive as big players struggle for dominance. Manufacturers like the Fossil Group were able to get the hang of things at some point but are now struggling to meet the expectations of their users and fans.
In preparation for this exit from the smartwatch business, Fossil kicked off some discount sales for its smartwatches last month. Additionally, within the same period, reports had it that the Fossil Group smartwatch brand will no longer make use of Google’s Wear OS on their smartwatches. Most onlookers didn’t suspect these moves to be baby steps towards the brand’s goal to exit the smartwatch industry.
Well, the discount sales as well as the rumours to quit using Wear OS were just signs to point out the brand’s intentions for its smartwatch endeavours. Now, after an interview with our sources, the Fossil Group have officially confirmed their exit from the smartwatch business. In an official statement, Amanda Castelli the Fossil spokesperson said “We have made the strategic decision to exit the smartwatch business.”
Well, this exit of the smartwatch business doesn’t mean that the Fossil Group no longer exists. The brand will now turn its attention to other aspects of its business, including traditional watches, as well as other jewellery. So, you’ll still get to see other products that Fossil retails, but not its smartwatches.