Pebble’s comeback smartwatch is taking a little longer than expected to reach buyers.
Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky has confirmed that shipments of the new Pebble Round 2 have been delayed. This delay pushes the start of deliveries from May to July. The company now expects to complete all pre-orders by September.
According to Migicovsky, the delay comes down to a cosmetic issue discovered in the latest pre-production samples. While the problem doesn’t appear to affect functionality, Pebble has chosen to hold back mass production until it’s resolved.
The update is a small setback for what has become one of the most anticipated smartwatch revivals in recent years. The Pebble Round 2 is the successor to the Pebble Time Round. It brings back the lightweight circular design that helped the original stand out from the growing crowd of square smartwatches.
There’s at least some good news for customers waiting on their orders. Pebble says buyers will be able to choose from new black and brown leather strap options. This gives the watch a slightly more premium look than the standard bands originally shown.
The delay isn’t limited to Pebble’s smartwatch plans either. Migicovsky also shared an update on the company’s first smart ring, the Index 01. This device has slipped behind schedule as well.
Pebble has already manufactured around 700 Index 01 units, but still needs to build roughly 11,000 more to fulfil existing pre-orders. The company plans to expand its beta programme over the coming weeks before ramping up production. The goal is to complete shipments by the beginning of August.
Migicovsky says the slower rollout reflects the complexity of launching an entirely new product category. Unlike the Pebble watches, the Index 01 is available in multiple colours and seven different sizes. This makes manufacturing considerably more complicated.
The Pebble Time 2, however, appears to be progressing as planned. Current targets suggest all pre-orders should be shipped by the end of July. However, Migicovsky notes that timelines could still change if any unexpected issues arise.
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