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Meta Revives Smartwatch Project for 2026 Launch

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Meta Platforms is reportedly restarting its smartwatch initiative as part of its expanding wearable technology strategy. The revived project, known internally as Malibu 2, is expected to introduce a device focused on health monitoring and integrated artificial intelligence capabilities.

The smartwatch is anticipated to include fitness tracking features alongside a built-in Meta AI assistant. This marks a renewed push into wearables after the company previously halted development in 2022 amid broader cost-cutting measures within its Reality Labs division.

The move reflects growing industry interest in AI-powered personal devices, particularly in health and lifestyle applications. Wearable technology is increasingly being positioned as a key interface for artificial intelligence in everyday use.

Meta has already seen strong market traction in smart eyewear through its collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban. Shipments of AI-enabled glasses reached nearly 6 million units last year, highlighting rising consumer demand for intelligent wearables.

Beyond smartwatches, Meta continues to work on multiple augmented and mixed-reality devices. However, the company is reportedly reassessing release timelines to avoid overwhelming consumers with too many new products in a short period.

Earlier internal discussions also indicated delays in certain mixed-reality projects, with some developments now expected closer to 2027.

Amazon Developing Consumer AR Glasses to Compete With Meta

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Amazon is working on augmented reality (AR) glasses for consumers, according to a report from The Information. The project, internally codenamed “Jayhawk,” would mark Amazon’s first major step into the consumer AR market, setting up direct competition with Meta Platforms.

The AR glasses are expected to feature microphones, speakers, a camera, and a full-color display in one eye, with a planned rollout in late 2026 or early 2027. Amazon declined to comment on the report.

This initiative builds on Amazon’s earlier work with specialized AR eyewear for delivery drivers, revealed in a Reuters exclusive last year. That model, designed to provide turn-by-turn navigation on a small screen, is set for release as early as the second quarter of 2026, with an initial production of about 100,000 units.

Both the delivery glasses and the consumer version will share the same underlying display technology, but the consumer model will reportedly be sleeker and less bulky, offering a full-color experience tailored to everyday use.

The move positions Amazon directly against Meta, which has invested heavily in AR eyewear. Meta is expected to unveil a new version of its AR glasses at its Connect conference next week, building on the success of its Ray-Ban Meta line, developed with EssilorLuxottica’s Oakley, which has sold millions of units since its 2023 launch.

If Amazon delivers on its timeline, the consumer AR market could see a major clash between two of the world’s largest tech companies by 2027.

Xiaomi Tops Wearables Market in Q1 2025 with 19% Share, Surpassing Apple: Canalys Report

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Xiaomi reclaimed its position as the leading vendor in the wearable band market during the first quarter of 2025, following the launch of refreshed Mi Band and Redmi Watch models earlier this year. According to a Canalys report, the Beijing-based tech giant surpassed Apple, driven by a remarkable 44 percent year-over-year growth in shipments. Other notable players in the market included Huawei, Samsung, and Garmin, who secured third, fourth, and fifth places respectively. The surge in Xiaomi’s sales highlights its growing appeal among consumers seeking affordable and feature-rich wearable devices.

The Canalys Wearable Band Analysis report further revealed that global shipments of wearable bands reached 46.6 million units in Q1 2025, marking a 13 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Basic wearables, known for their simplicity and affordability, led the growth, with Xiaomi shipping the highest volume thanks to its new releases: the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 and Redmi Band 5. The Redmi Band 5, in particular, emerged as Xiaomi’s best-selling device, helping to secure its top spot in the market. Apple and Huawei followed closely behind, holding the second and third positions.

Apple’s market share in the wearable band segment stood at 16 percent during Q1, and Canalys predicts that this figure will rise in the latter half of 2025. This optimism is fueled by the upcoming launch of Apple’s 10th-anniversary smartwatch, which is expected to attract significant consumer interest. Meanwhile, Huawei experienced a solid 36 percent growth in shipments year-on-year, reaching 7.1 million units. This growth was largely driven by the strong performance of Huawei’s Fit and GT wearable series.

The Canalys study also shed light on consumer preferences in the smartwatch market, highlighting affordability, long battery life, and robust health tracking features as the top priorities for buyers. These factors are shaping the competitive landscape as manufacturers race to deliver devices that balance cost, functionality, and user experience. Xiaomi’s recent success demonstrates how aligning product offerings with these consumer demands can lead to substantial market gains.