Reports from February 18–19, 2026, indicate that Meta has revived its long-shelved smartwatch project, internally code-named “Malibu 2.” While the company originally scrapped its hardware plans in 2022 due to cost-cutting, the current AI boom and the success of Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses have reportedly brought the project back to life.
Meta is reportedly targeting a launch window in late 2026, though some supply chain whispers suggest a potential earlier reveal or “tease” as early as September 2026 to coincide with Meta Connect.
Key Features of the “Malibu 2”
The revived device is expected to move beyond the traditional “fitness tracker” mold to become a central hub for Meta’s ecosystem.
- Integrated Meta AI: The watch will feature a built-in AI assistant powered by Llama, capable of real-time voice interactions, predictive notifications, and smart health insights.
- Neural Wristband Controls: Meta is reportedly integrating technology from its Reality Labs research that translates nerve signals from the wrist into digital commands. This would allow users to control smart glasses or VR headsets with subtle finger movements or “air gestures.”
- The “Camera” Differentiator: While Apple and Samsung have avoided on-device cameras for privacy reasons, Meta is reportedly considering a built-in camera lens. This could enable “Visual Intelligence” features—allowing the watch to “see” and identify objects, similar to the Meta Ray-Ban glasses.
- Health and Fitness: Standard health-tracking sensors for heart rate, sleep patterns, and stress levels will be included to compete with the Apple Watch and Fitbit.
Strategic Integration: The Wearable Ecosystem
Unlike previous attempts that treated the watch as a standalone product, the 2026 strategy positions the smartwatch as a “companion” device.
| Component | Role in the Ecosystem |
| Meta Smartwatch | Serves as the controller (neural band) and display for quick alerts. |
| Smart Glasses | Serves as the audio/visual input (heads-up display and camera). |
| Quest Headsets | Uses the watch as a precision haptic controller for mixed reality. |
| Meta Apps | Direct, deep integration with WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger. |
Market Context and Challenges
Meta is entering a mature market dominated by the Apple Watch (which generated over $40 billion in 2025). To win, Meta is likely to leverage:
- Aggressive Pricing: Industry analysts suggest Meta may subsidize the hardware to keep the price around $299, similar to its Ray-Ban glasses, to drive rapid adoption.
- Cross-Platform Appeal: Unlike the Apple Watch, a Meta smartwatch would likely offer high-fidelity compatibility for both iOS and Android users.
- Privacy Hurdles: Given its history, Meta faces a significant challenge in convincing users to allow a camera-equipped, always-on device to monitor their health and environment 24/7.
“Meta’s advantage lies in the data its social platforms already generate. A smartwatch that taps into your Instagram and WhatsApp while controlling your AR glasses creates a hardware ‘moat’ that Apple and Google will find hard to penetrate.” — Wearable Industry Analyst, Feb 2026.
