Meta is preparing a new push into the wearables market by reviving its long-rumoured smartwatch project. According to The Information, the initiative (internally codenamed “Malibu 2”) is slated for release later this year. The device is expected to integrate Meta AI alongside standard health-tracking features, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Apple Watch and Google Pixel Watch.
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This isn’t Meta’s first attempt at a wrist-worn device. Development originally surfaced in 2021, with reports suggesting a unique design featuring a detachable screen and up to three cameras. However, the project was shelved in 2022 as part of a strategic pivot. The decision to pause development was tied to aggressive cost-cutting measures within the Reality Labs division, which saw significant layoffs earlier this year as the company sought to curb massive financial losses.
Despite those cuts, CEO Mark Zuckerberg has signalled a renewed commitment to the sector. During a recent earnings call, he noted that Reality Labs is now focusing its primary investments toward “glasses and wearables going forward,” viewing them as the gateway to the company’s future computing platforms.
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The smartwatch will fill a significant gap in Meta’s current hardware portfolio, which is currently dominated by VR headsets and the popular Meta Ray-Ban smartglasses. While the Ray-Bans have become a surprise hit in the U.S., other advanced projects remain years away. Meta reportedly has four separate AR and mixed-reality glasses in development, but most are not expected to hit the market soon. Notably, the next major mixed-reality headset, codenamed “Phoenix,” has reportedly been pushed back to an early 2027 release.
By launching a smartwatch in 2026, Meta aims to put its AI assistant directly on the wrists of millions. Unlike the VR headsets which are primarily used indoors, a smartwatch provides a “persistent” hardware presence. This allows Meta AI to assist users throughout the day with voice commands, health insights, and contextual notifications, strengthening the company’s ecosystem outside of the traditional smartphone screen.
