Meta Revives 'Malibu 2' Smartwatch for Late 2026 Launch — AI-Powered Companion for Ray-Ban Glasses

Meta is reportedly preparing to launch its first smartwatch later in 2026, reviving Project Malibu — a smartwatch effort that was shelved back in 2022 during Reality Labs spending cuts. The new device, internally called "Malibu 2," will feature Meta AI integration, health tracking, and neural wristband-style gesture controls.

Key Details

• Meta AI integration: The watch will feature on-device Meta AI for health coaching, contextual notifications, and voice commands
• Neural gesture controls: Building on Meta's differential electromyography (EMG) wristband technology already used with Display glasses
• Glasses companion: Designed to work as a controller and health hub for Ray-Ban Meta and Meta Glasses
• Health tracking: Expected heart rate, sleep, and activity monitoring to compete with Apple Watch and Garmin
• Launch timing: Expected alongside updated Ray-Ban smart glasses in late 2026

Strategic Play

Meta's wrist-based strategy serves a different purpose than Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch — it's designed as a companion for smart glasses, not a standalone fitness device. By coupling a smartwatch with its glasses ecosystem, Meta is building a connected wearables platform that could rival Apple's tightly integrated hardware lineup. The EMG gesture technology would let users control their glasses through subtle wrist movements.

What This Means for Buyers

This is a first-gen product from a company with no smartwatch track record — don't wait for it unless you're deeply invested in Meta's ecosystem. The Apple Watch Series 11 at $299 and Galaxy Watch Ultra at $639 are proven options today. If you own Meta Ray-Ban glasses, the Malibu 2 could be worth watching when it launches. Browse all smartwatches in our smartwatch comparison.