Meta is planning to release its first smartwatch in 2025, a project internally codenamed “Malibu 2.” The device will feature integrated Meta AI capabilities and health tracking functions. This initiative follows a development history that began in 2021, when reports indicated Meta was creating an Android-based smartwatch with a detachable camera and support for up to three cameras. The company paused this project in 2022 to prioritize other wearable devices.
According to The Information, the decision to pause the smartwatch project occurred during a period of reduced spending within the Reality Labs division. Reality Labs experienced significant financial losses, resulting in the layoff of over 1,000 employees in January. Following these cuts, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated during an earnings call that the company would focus its Reality Labs investments primarily “towards glasses and wearables going forward.” The smartwatch revival aligns with this strategic shift.
Meta’s current wearable portfolio consists of virtual reality headsets and the Ray-Ban smartglasses. The Ray-Ban smartglasses are performing well in the United States market. The company is actively developing four distinct augmented reality and mixed-reality glasses models. However, the release schedule for some hardware has been adjusted. The mixed reality headset model codenamed “Phoenix” has been delayed, with its unveiling now scheduled for early 2027 rather than the previously anticipated timeframe.
