Meta revives smartwatch plans with 2026 launch after shelving project in 2022

Meta could launch a smartwatch in 2026, years after killing its original plans

After abandoning its first attempt, Meta is reportedly preparing an AI-first smartwatch designed to complement its smart glasses and expand beyond social media advertising. Mark Zuckerberg's Meta is reviving its plan to release a smartwatch (codenamed "Malibu 2"), with a targeted launch later this year. According to a new report from The Information (vie Reuters), Meta's first smartwatch could feature several health and fitness-tracking features. Further, like the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, the smartwatch will include a built-in Meta AI assistant. In fact, the company will bank on integrating its AI assistant into the smartwatch, as this will help create an AI-powered consumer hardware ecosystem. An AI-first wearables strategy It looks like the company might position itself on AI-based features and experience. This isn't the first time the company has been rumored to launch a smartwatch. Meta previously explored launching a smartwatch in 2022, experimenting with versions that included built-in cameras. Recommended Videos However, that project was shelved due to broader restructuring within the company's Reality Labs division and an effort to cut the rising operational costs. If anyone remembers the term "metaverse," the company was heavily focused on it at the time, along with virtual reality, but since, it appears to have moved on. However, the renewed push toward an AI-powered smartwatch, which could come with a voice-driven interface powered by Meta AI, suggests that the company wants to expand into the consumer electronics market (with wearables as the key driver) and not rely solely on social media ads to balance its books. Meta would enter a crowded smartwatch arena It's not like the company doesn't have any experience with consumer wearables. One of the most popular AI smart glasses worldwide is made by Meta, in collaboration with Ray-Ban. The product is a testament to both the company's understanding of the market and the demand for AI-infused wearable technology. However, Meta's first smartwatch would enter an already crowded, competitive market dominated by giants like Apple, Samsung, Google (via Wear OS and Fitbit), Garmin, and others. By the end of this year, we'll have the latest flagship smartwatches from all these companies, with even more AI-based features than they already have.

Meta reportedly reviving plans for a smartwatch no-one is asking for | Stuff

A Meta smartwatch with AI and health tracking capabilities? Like it or not, it might be on the way. Meta is reviving plans to launch a smartwatch and it could come this year, according to a new report. The Information's sources says the Facebook parent company will release an AI-powered timepiece to go up against the Apple Watch and others in the market. According to the report ($), the device said to be codenamed Malibu 2, will have a focus on health tracking as well as the integration with Meta AI. Details are still thin on the ground right now. This isn't the first we've heard of a Meta smartwatch as the company was initially rumoured to be releasing the wearable in 2022. The Information, who reported this at the time, said Meta had shelved plans to focus on other wearables, like the Ray-Ban smart glasses and the Meta Quest line of headsets. However, the company has also significant'y cut costs across its Reality Labs division with over 1,000 jobs cut amid heavy losses. Why the company is attempting to resurrect the plans now in 2026, with the smartwatch realm more competitive than ever and with trust in Facebook's personal data somehow at an all-time low, remains to be seen According to today's report Meta is planning the smartwatch alongside new Meta Ray-Band smart glasses, also set for later this year. They will precede the full AR glasses Zuckerberg's company is working on.

Meta Revives Abandoned 'Malibu 2' Smartwatch Project, Targets 2026 Launch: Report - Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META)

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) is reviving its previously shelved "Malibu 2" project, with plans to launch its debut smartwatch in 2026. The watch is anticipated to offer health tracking features and an integrated Meta AI assistant, The Information reported on Wednesday. The revival of this project marks a significant return for AI-powered wearables, particularly in the health and fitness industry. The report also indicated that Meta has roughly four augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) glasses under development. The company is currently reevaluating its launch schedules to prevent the release of too many devices in a short period, which could potentially confuse consumers. Reality Labs employees were notified in December that the launch of Phoenix, its MR glasses, had been delayed until 2027. The company had initially toyed with the idea of a smartwatch around five years ago, even contemplating a version equipped with three cameras. However, in 2022, the project was put on hold due to budget cuts in its Reality Labs division. Meta Platforms did not immediately respond to Benzinga's request for comment. Meta Doubles Down On Wearables Expansion In January, Meta stated that it is delaying the international launch of its latest AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses as U.S. demand outpaces supply, forcing the company to focus on fulfilling domestic orders before expanding abroad. Interestingly, the Ray-Ban Display was supposed to be paired with a wrist-worn "Neural Band" for gesture control with features like a teleprompter mode and gesture-based writing at CES 2026. Benzinga's Edge Rankings place Meta Platforms in the 90th percentile for quality and the 46th percentile for value, reflecting its strong performance in both areas. Benzinga's screener allows you to compare Meta's performance with its peers. Price Action: On a year-to-date basis, Meta stock declined 1.11%, as per data from Benzinga Pro. On Wednesday, it rose 0.61% to close at $643.22. Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. Image via Shutterstock Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs To add Benzinga News as your preferred source on Google, click here.

Meta reboots smartwatch plan, aims debut in 2026, the Information reports

Feb 18 (Reuters) - Instagram-owner Meta Platforms plans to release its first smartwatch this year, the Information reported on Wednesday, citing two people familiar with the matter. The company has revived its "Malibu 2" smartwatch project, the report said, adding that the device, set for release later this year, will feature health tracking and a built-in Meta AI assistant. Meta explored a smartwatch roughly five years ago, the Information said, including plans at one point for three-camera-equipped versions but it shelved the effort in 2022 as a part of broader spending pullbacks in its Reality Labs unit. Meta declined to comment on the report. The news signals a big comeback for wearables driven by the artificial intelligence boom, as companies release gadgets imbued with the technology, aimed especially at health and fitness. AI smartglasses are the breakout, with Meta's technology powering glasses made by Ray-Ban parent EssilorLuxottica. Their shipments climbed to nearly 6 million units last year, according to data from Smart Analytics Global. The company has about four augmented reality and mixed-reality (MR) glasses in development, the report said, and the company is reassessing timelines to ease concerns that launching too many devices in quick succession could confuse customers. In December, Reality Labs employees were told the company had delayed Phoenix, its MR glasses, until 2027, the report said. Last month, Meta said it had decided to pause international expansion of its Ray-Ban Display glasses due to short supply and strong demand in the United States. (Reporting by Anhata Rooprai in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)