Meta Challenges Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch…Smartwatch Launch Expecte…

마크 저커버그 메타 CEO가 신형 스마트워치를 소개하는 장면을 가상으로 그려봤다. / 사진 제미나이로 생성 

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has reportedly resumed development of a smartwatch and is aiming to launch a new product within the year.

According to reports from U.S. tech media outlet The Information and others on the 19th (local time), Meta plans to re-enter the wearable market with a new device codenamed “Malibu 2.” The product in question is a smartwatch.

Meta had been working on a smartwatch project since 2021, but suspended related efforts in 2022 after deciding to cut costs in its Reality Labs division.

However, amid the recent AI boom and strong sales of its smart glasses (6 million units sold last year), the company has restarted its smartwatch development project.

The upcoming device is expected to focus on health tracking features and Meta AI assistant capabilities, positioning it to compete directly with the Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch.

In addition to the smartwatch, Meta is preparing to launch mixed reality (MR) glasses codenamed “Phoenix,” though their release is reportedly slated for 2027. In terms of launch timing, the smartwatch—despite being a later initiative—appears likely to arrive on the market sooner.