Meta eyes 2026 smartwatch with AI features: report

Meta Platforms plans to launch its first smartwatch in 2026, according to reports from The Information.

The device, known as “Malibu 2,” is said to include health-tracking features and a Meta AI assistant.

The company previously explored a smartwatch project around five years ago but paused development in 2022 amid broader spending cuts at its Reality Labs division.

Meta has not commented on the report.

The move signals a potential comeback in the wearables market, which is increasingly integrating AI technology, especially for health and fitness applications.

Meta is also developing multiple augmented and mixed-reality glasses, but it is reassessing timelines to avoid overwhelming consumers with too many product launches.

🔗 Source: Reuters

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

Meta plans to re-enter the smartwatch market as smart glasses growth accelerates

Meta’s reported plan to return to smartwatches comes as smart glasses shipments rose 110% year over year in H1 2025 1.
Meta took over 70% of global smart glasses shipments in H1 2025, driven largely by Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, per Counterpoint Research (a market research firm that tracks device shipments) 1.
AI smart glasses made up 78% of total smart glasses shipments in H1 2025, up from 46% in H1 2024 1.
EssilorLuxottica (the eyewear group behind Ray-Ban) said it sold over 7 million AI glasses last year, up from 2 million sold in 2023 and 2024 combined 2.

Meta’s wearables strategy could broaden the reach of its AI assistant

The new smartwatch, code-named “Malibu 2,” is reported to include health-tracking features plus a Meta AI assistant 3.
A watch can handle health data and notifications, while glasses can bring visual or audio input. Together, they could keep Meta AI available without hands.
The push could support an AI-focused device lineup that reaches beyond social media, while taking on Apple and Google ecosystems.
Meta has delayed its mixed-reality glasses project “Phoenix” until 2027. It has also paused international expansion of its Ray-Ban Display glasses due to high domestic demand plus supply constraints 4.