Meta Looks to Take on Apple With First Smartwatch

Core Insights - Meta has revived its smartwatch project, aiming for a release in 2026 with health-tracking features and integrated AI [2][3] - The decision to resume the smartwatch project follows a strategy meeting in 2025 at CEO Mark Zuckerberg's home [3] - Meta is also streamlining its augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) projects to avoid consumer confusion [7] Smartwatch Development - The smartwatch project was initially shelved in 2022 due to budget cuts in the Reality Labs division [3] - The new smartwatch is expected to include health-tracking capabilities and the company's AI system [2] Augmented and Mixed Reality Projects - Meta is developing several AR and MR glasses, with a new version of the Meta Ray-Ban Display planned for 2026 [7] - The launch of the MR glasses, code-named Phoenix, has been delayed until 2027 [7] - The company is also working on consumer-facing AR glasses, code-named Artemis, expected to be released next year [9] Competitive Landscape - Other tech giants like Apple and Google are also planning new consumer device launches, indicating a competitive market for wearable technology [2][10] - Apple is reportedly accelerating its development of AI-powered wearable devices, including smart glasses and enhanced AirPods [10]