A new report indicates that Meta is poised to introduce a new smartwatch later this year, though it is already apparent that this device will not be positioned as a direct competitor to the Apple Watch.
Rather, the wearable is expected to function primarily as an accessory within Meta’s broader ecosystem, complementing its upcoming smart glasses and thereby expanding the company’s wearable offerings without directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the established mainstream smartwatch sector.
Rumours surrounding Meta’s smartwatch aspirations first surfaced in 2021 following a leaked image within the Ray-Ban Stories application.
While the project was subsequently reported to be on hold, speculation regarding its revival has persisted. Now, information from The Information suggests Meta is targeting a 2026 release date, which, to be honest, feels like quite a wait!
Industry commentators anticipate that the watch will feature deep integration with Meta’s next-generation Ray-Ban Display glasses, which are rumored to incorporate built-in screens.
As CNET points out, the smartwatch’s main gig might be as a companion device, offering input and control for the glasses, particularly those equipped with neural technology.
Andrew Bosworth, Meta’s CTO, previously hinted that the neural band introduced with the Ray-Ban Display glasses last fall could eventually make sense as part of a watch. This year’s speculated launch might just be the moment this vision actually materialises.
Instead of focusing heavily on the usual health tracking, fitness metrics, or standalone smartwatch functions, Meta’s device seems purpose-built to advance its Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) ambitions.
A neural-equipped watch, when paired with smart glasses, could enable much easier, hands-free control, though this tactic will leave the traditional battlefield of fitness and health to Apple and Google.
If Meta does indeed debut the watch alongside its next-gen Ray-Ban Display glasses, it would represent a strategic move toward establishing a unique wearable ecosystem that seamlessly blends wrist-based devices with AR eyewear.
Nevertheless, the consensus is pretty clear: Meta’s smartwatch isn’t trying to be an Apple Watch killer. It’s designed to play a completely different, and arguably more interesting, role entirely.
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