Meta's Wearable Ambitions: Smartwatch and Smart Glasses Set for 2024 Launch, Mixed Reality Delayed to 2027
Meta is reportedly planning to launch a new smartwatch, featuring AI and health tracking capabilities, in 2024. This launch is expected to occur concurrently with an updated version of its Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses.
The company's mixed reality glasses, codenamed "Phoenix," are reportedly delayed until early 2027, as part of an effort to streamline Meta's augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) roadmap.
Smartwatch Initiative Revived: "Malibu 2"
The upcoming smartwatch, identified by the internal code-name "Malibu 2," signifies a renewed focus on the wearable device category for Meta. Reports suggest the device will integrate Meta AI and offer health tracking functionalities.
This move would position Meta in direct competition within the wearables market, engaging with established companies such as Apple, Google, Garmin, Samsung, and Fitbit.
Previous Smartwatch EndeavorsMeta had previously halted an earlier smartwatch project in 2022, citing technical challenges and cost-cutting measures. Earlier reports from 2021 indicated Meta was developing a smartwatch utilizing an open-source version of Android.
Subsequent information in 2022 suggested potential features like a detachable camera, possibly including up to three cameras. The project was reportedly suspended to concentrate on other wearable technologies. The new smartwatch could potentially serve to replace the neural wristband currently employed for gesture controls with Meta's Ray-Ban Display AR glasses.
Updated Smart Glasses: Ray-Ban Display Iteration
An updated iteration of Meta's Ray-Ban Display smart glasses is reportedly slated for release alongside the new smartwatch.
The previous version of the Ray-Ban Display AR glasses, which launched last year, experienced significant demand. This led to a temporary suspension of its international rollout due to inventory limitations.
Mixed Reality Glasses Schedule Adjustment: "Phoenix" Delayed
The release of Meta's mixed reality glasses, code-named "Phoenix," is now reportedly scheduled for early 2027.
This represents an adjustment from previous timelines and is attributed to strategic efforts aimed at streamlining the company's overall AR and MR development pipeline.
Context within Reality Labs: Strategic Shifts
The adjustments to Meta's wearable device roadmap, including the earlier smartwatch project's suspension and the delay of the "Phoenix" mixed reality glasses, align with broader strategic shifts within Meta's Reality Labs division.
In January, Reality Labs implemented layoffs affecting over 1,000 employees following substantial financial losses. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has publicly stated that future investments within Reality Labs would primarily target "glasses and wearables." Meta's current wearable product portfolio includes virtual reality headsets and smartglasses, such as the Meta Ray-Bans, and the company is also developing four augmented reality and mixed-reality glasses.