Meta reboots smartwatch plan, aims for debut in 2026: Report

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.