Meta has greenlit the second-generation Malibu 2 smartwatch, reinstating the project with a target consumer launch in 2026. The decision revives work on a device equipped with standalone connectivity and health-tracking capabilities to complement Meta’s broader hardware lineup.

The first Malibu smartwatch was abandoned in mid-2023 after internal concerns over development costs and market readiness. Leadership paused the initiative to focus on core metaverse hardware, but renewed interest in the wearable market has prompted its resurrection.

Re-engaging in the smartwatch segment underscores Meta’s strategy to diversify beyond social platforms into consumer electronics. Success with Malibu 2 could bolster hardware revenue, enhance user integration across devices, and intensify competition with established wearable makers.