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Meta reportedly revives smartwatch project for a 2026 launch—but key details remain unknown

Meta reportedly plans to revive its first smartwatch for a later-2026 launch, but Malibu 2 remains unconfirmed. Here is what the report says—and whether you should wait.
Estimate6–8 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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Short answer: Meta is reportedly targeting a smartwatch release later in 2026, but the company has not confirmed that the watch exists as a launch-ready product. The Information, in a report relayed by Reuters and other outlets, says Meta has revived development of a first smartwatch reportedly code-named Malibu 2. The reported plans include health tracking and a built-in Meta AI assistant. Meta declined to comment, and there is no official launch date, price, product page, operating-system information, or specification sheet.

What was actually reported

According to The Information, Meta has revived its smartwatch project and is aiming to release its first watch later in 2026. The reported plan is based on two people familiar with Meta’s plans, not on a public announcement from the company.

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  • The project is reportedly code-named Malibu 2.
  • The target is reportedly a release later in 2026.
  • The watch is said to focus on health tracking.
  • A built-in Meta AI assistant is also reportedly planned.
  • Meta declined to comment on the report.

That makes this a credible product report, but not a confirmed launch. “Targeting” describes an internal objective that can change; it does not mean Meta has committed to a public release date. As of August 18, 2026, Meta has not announced a launch event, preorder, price, supported phones, or final hardware specifications.

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Is this Meta’s first smartwatch?

Yes. Current reporting describes Malibu 2 as Meta’s first smartwatch rather than a successor to a commercially released Meta-branded watch.

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The name can cause confusion. MetaWatch was also the name of an unrelated earlier smartwatch company and product line; it should not be treated as a previous Meta Platforms watch. Wikipedia’s MetaWatch entry covers that separate product history.

What happened to Meta’s earlier watch project?

Meta previously explored a smartwatch around 2021. Reports described an unusual camera-equipped concept, with multiple cameras linked to the company’s wider hardware ambitions. That project was reportedly shelved in 2022 during spending reductions at Reality Labs. Engadget’s account provides background on the earlier effort.

The reported Malibu 2 direction appears different. Instead of centering the story on cameras, current coverage emphasizes health monitoring and Meta AI. That may represent a more conventional route into the smartwatch market, but it remains an interpretation of the reported strategy rather than an official explanation from Meta.

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The previous cancellation is important because it shows why readers should not treat a reported 2026 target as guaranteed. Meta can change the hardware, postpone the launch, reduce its scope, or cancel the project before a public announcement.

What might Malibu 2 be designed to do?

The two clearest reported themes are health tracking and AI assistance. A smartwatch could give Meta something its smart glasses do not: a display, wrist-based controls, and sensors that remain in contact with the body throughout the day.

Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses already provide a path into hands-free, voice-controlled computing. A watch could potentially complement that strategy by providing:

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  • Activity and wellness tracking.
  • A convenient interface for Meta AI.
  • Notifications and messaging access.
  • A companion device for smart glasses.
  • A way for Meta to control more of the wearable hardware and software experience.

Those are plausible strategic roles, not confirmed Malibu 2 features. There is no verified report that the watch will be bundled with Ray-Ban Meta glasses, act as a required glasses controller, or provide special access to WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, Facebook, or Meta Quest.

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What is known—and what is not

Detail Current status
Project Reportedly revived
Codename Reportedly Malibu 2; not officially confirmed
Launch timing Reported target of later in 2026; no public date
Health features Reported health tracking or monitoring; exact sensors are unknown
AI Reported built-in Meta AI assistant; requirements and capabilities are unknown
Price Unknown
Operating system Unknown
Phone compatibility Unknown
Battery life and charging Unknown
GPS and cellular connectivity Unknown
Display, case sizes, bands, and water resistance Unknown
App ecosystem Unknown
Camera Not established; the earlier camera concept should not be used as proof that Malibu 2 will have one
Availability Unknown; a 2026 launch could still be limited by country or region

In particular, “health tracking” is a broad description. It could mean familiar smartwatch functions such as activity, heart-rate, sleep, and workout tracking, or it could involve more advanced measurements. Nothing in the available reporting confirms ECG, blood oxygen, temperature, blood pressure, medical accuracy, or regulatory clearance.

The same caution applies to Meta AI. The assistant could require a paired phone, an internet connection, a Meta account, supported languages, or country-specific availability. A subscription or usage limit is also possible, but no such requirement has been reported for Malibu 2.

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Why the launch could slip

Several uncertainties stand between an internal hardware plan and a retail product:

  • The reported date is a target, not a public commitment.
  • Hardware and software development may not be complete.
  • Health-related functions may require additional validation or region-specific regulatory review.
  • Meta could prioritize smart glasses or other wearable projects.
  • Manufacturing, inventory, or supply constraints could limit a late-2026 release.
  • The product could be delayed or canceled, as happened with the earlier watch effort.

A late-year announcement would not necessarily mean immediate worldwide availability. Meta could launch in selected markets first, restrict features by region, or take a staged approach to retail availability.

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Compatibility and privacy are still open questions

Do not assume that a Meta watch will work equally well with iPhone and Android. Apple Watch is tightly integrated with iPhone, while Galaxy Watch models are built primarily for Android, with additional features on Samsung Galaxy phones. Meta could pursue broad cross-platform support or choose a more restricted ecosystem; there is no verified answer yet.

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Privacy will also matter more if the watch combines health sensors with Meta’s account and AI services. A device of this type could technically handle location, heart rate, activity, sleep, voice interactions, notifications, contacts, and app usage. That list describes possible data categories, not data practices Meta has announced. Readers should wait for the product’s privacy policy and documentation before drawing conclusions about collection, retention, sharing, or AI processing.

Should you wait for Meta’s watch?

Waiting may make sense if:

  • You already use Meta AI, WhatsApp, Messenger, or Ray-Ban Meta glasses.
  • You want a wearable built around Meta’s AI and social ecosystem.
  • You do not need a smartwatch immediately.
  • You can tolerate uncertain specifications, pricing, compatibility, and timing.

Buying an established watch is more sensible if:

  • You need dependable health or fitness tracking now.
  • You require known GPS, cellular, emergency, or phone-compatibility features.
  • You want an established app ecosystem, accessories, repairs, and support.
  • You do not want to risk a delayed or canceled product.

For an iPhone owner, Apple Watch remains the practical established benchmark. Apple’s U.S. buying page lists the Apple Watch Series 11 from $399, the Apple Watch SE 3 from $249, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 from $700; prices can change. See Apple’s official store for current pricing and availability.

For an Android user, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch8 is a relevant alternative. Samsung’s U.S. MSRP document lists Bluetooth models from $349.99 for 40mm and $379.99 for 44mm, with LTE models priced higher. Retail promotions may differ. Check Samsung’s product page and its official MSRP document for current details.

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Neither existing product is a substitute for Malibu 2’s unannounced features. They are simply known options available while Meta’s reported project remains uncertain.

What not to assume

  • Meta is not confirmed to be launching the watch “this year”; it is reportedly targeting a 2026 release.
  • Malibu 2 is not an officially confirmed product name.
  • The watch is not confirmed to have a camera, Wear OS, cellular service, GPS, or advanced medical sensors.
  • It is not confirmed to replace or outperform Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch.
  • It is not available for preorder, and no verified Meta smartwatch price or retail listing exists.

Bottom line

Meta reportedly revived its smartwatch project and is aiming for a later-2026 launch of a first watch code-named Malibu 2. Health tracking and Meta AI are the only major capabilities currently attached to the report. Until Meta publishes an announcement, readers should treat the watch as a promising but unconfirmed project—not a product to plan a purchase around. If you need a smartwatch now, buy based on the phone compatibility and features available today; wait for Meta only if its AI-focused wearable vision is worth accepting the risk of delay, changed specifications, or cancellation.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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