Meta is Rumoured to Release First Smartwatch to Rival Apple Watch

Meta is rumoured to have resurrected its previously cancelled smartwatch project. The health-tracking and AI-powered wearable is believed to be back in development to compete against the Apple Watch and other smartwatches.

Meta’s smartwatch project is reportedly back online through its Reality Labs hardware division, according to The Information. A recent report claims that the smartwatch (codenamed Malibu 2) could arrive alongside a new pair of Ray-Ban smartglasses, featuring facial recognition technology.

Back in 2022, Meta cancelled its in-development smartwatch. This was a result of budgetary cuts, and it was long believed that Meta had outright abandoned any plans to release a smartwatch device. The original concept was believed to include three models that users could choose from, and include health tracking capabilities and Meta AI tools. It’s not yet known what the new smartwatch may offer in terms of specs and capabilities quite yet.

Per the report, it sounds as if Meta’s mixed-reality glasses have been delayed until 2027. It’s claimed that executives are concerned with how rapidly Meta is growing its market of smartwearables. With the Ray-Ban Display AR glasses having hit the US last year, it’s believed that the delay is to allow consumers to catch up and better understand the market. Ray-Ban Display glasses are still not available in Canada. The company claims that initial demand was much higher than expected, causing an international delay.

While Meta is looking to move into Apple’s turf of smartwatches, Apple is eyeing the smart glasses market. It’s said that the iPhone maker is developing its own pair of smart glasses, alongside a wearable AI pendant and AirPods featuring cameras for release in 2027. This is a part of a broader wearables initiative that leverages an upgraded Siri system.