Meta relance son projet de montre connectée sous le nom de code « Malibu 2 », avec une promesse claire : faire du poignet une interface d’IA au quotidien, pensée pour dialoguer avec ses lunettes et ses plateformes sociales. Attendue pour 2026, cette offensive vise autant la santé que l’influence, dans une bataille frontale contre Apple, Samsung et l’écosystème Android.
After an initial hiatus in 2022, Meta is bringing the smartwatch back into the spotlight, at a time when AI is becoming a natural part of everyday use and no longer just a marketing ploy. The issue goes beyond technology: it touches on content creation, performance measurement, and how communities interact. The central challenge: transforming wearables into a seamless, natural control point.
Meta relaunches its smartwatch project: why the return of "Malibu 2" changes the game
The return of the Meta smartwatch is not just a simple “product comeback”. In 2022, the project was put on hold in a context of budget cuts et de priorisation de l’unité Reality Labs, avec des contraintes techniques qui rendaient l’ambition initiale difficile à tenir. À l’époque, plusieurs pistes avaient circulé, dont des prototypes très “chargés”, parfois évoqués avec plusieurs caméras. En 2026, le contexte a changé : l’IA générative s’est installée dans les usages, et Meta cherche une surface matérielle pour la rendre continuesdiscreet, and above all, actionable.
The code name " Malibu 2 This translates to: less gimmick, more scenarios. The expected logic combines health and fitness monitoring (heart rate, activity, recovery) and Meta AI assistant embedded, with interaction that must remain rapid. The implicit objective: to avoid smartphone "screen fatigue" and shift certain decisions to a more immediate interface. A meeting reminder, a message summary, a suggested reply, or a wellness alert become micro-actions managed on the wrist.
Pour rendre l’enjeu concret, imaginons « Lina », créatrice lifestyle et consultante social media, qui alterne tournages et déplacements. Son problème quotidien n’est pas d’avoir plus d’apps, mais de réduire les frictions : lancer un live, vérifier un pic d’engagement, répondre à un partenaire, sans sortir le téléphone vingt fois. Si Meta is relaunching its smartwatch project With this promise of contextual AI, the device can become a “set assistant”: sorted notifications, priorities, reminders, and even content suggestions based on agenda and trends.
This comeback is also part of the “two surfaces” strategy: the eyes (glasses) and the wrist (wearables). Ray-Ban Meta glasses, driven by strong momentum, have already created logistical challenges with demand described as “exceptional” in certain markets. The eyewear segment is further detailed in this analysis on the acceleration of connected glasses MetaThe watch then emerges as a second pillar, more familiar to the general public, and potentially easier to mass-produce. Final insight: The return of Malibu 2 is not nostalgic, it is structural..
A watch designed for the ecosystem: health, Meta AI, and synergies with smart glasses.
The most strategic point isn't the watch itself, but the coherence of the ecosystem. Meta is already promoting smart glasses capable of capturing scenes, taking photos, and managing voice commands. The wrist can become the natural remote control: discreet in meetings, efficient during filming, and above all, socially acceptable. Where an EMG neural bracelet remains perceived as experimental, a smartwatch integrates seamlessly into established habits.
The promise of “health + AI” should be seen as a partnership. Wellness tracking is no longer a bonus; it has become standard, and differentiation lies in the ability to interpret signals, contextualize them, and make recommendations. An integrated Meta AI assistant can, for example, link a bad night's sleep, a busy schedule, and increased stress, then suggest micro-adjustments: a break, a breathing exercise, or rescheduling a workout. For a content creator, it's also about maintaining consistency: keeping up a publishing schedule without burning out.
In terms of influence, the focus is elsewhere: the watch can become a quick snapshot of performance, without requiring users to open complex dashboards. The question then arises: which metrics should be displayed on the wrist without overwhelming the user? The expected answer lies in actionable KPIs (click-through rate, retention, growth) and intelligent alerts rather than a constant stream of information. To delve deeper into this methodological approach, this guide on reading social media KPIs helps to distinguish signal and noise, exactly what AI should do on a reduced interface.
The battle will also hinge on compatibility. A Meta watch has no interest in being locked away: the most credible ambition remains iOS and Android support, with an optimized experience when paired with the glasses. The historical parallel is useful: the iPod didn't win solely because of its components, but because of a coherent system (device + software + usage). Here, the equation becomes "watch + glasses + social platforms".
| Element | Role in daily use | Expected impact on creators and brands |
|---|---|---|
| Health/fitness monitoring | Measuring activity, recovery, and fitness trends | Improved management of production pace and prevention of overwork |
| Meta AI Assistant | Filter, summarize, suggest, automate micro-actions | Increased responsiveness to opportunities (briefs, comments, publication timing) |
| Synergy glasses | Discreet controls, continuity between capture and sharing | Faster content production, smoother "on-the-spot" storytelling |
Use case: from notification to action in less than 10 seconds
A typical scenario: a brand sends an urgent approval request on a story while the creator is out and about. The watch displays a summary, offers a ready-to-send reply, and suggests the best posting window based on the story's history. The smartphone remains available, but it's no longer used automatically. Final insight: The value of a Meta watch is measured by the reduction in the delay between social signal and action..
This type of video format helps to follow the evolution of product rumors, but above all to understand how the market interprets AI embedded on wearables, between promises and constraints of autonomy.
The wrist market in 2026: rivalry with Apple, XR sequencing, and opportunities for influence
Entering the smartwatch market forces you to confront a stark reality: the wrist is already crowded. Apple dominates the imagination, Samsung is a leader on Android, Google/Fitbit maintains its position, and Garmin remains strong in the sports sector. Meta cannot win by copying. Its niche lies in a different proposition: making the watch a contextual AI interfacefueled by social signals and, eventually, by visual capture via glasses.
This strategy is further illuminated by another development: the anticipated postponement of the MR "Phoenix" glasses to 2027. This choice reflects a disciplined roadmap. Too many closely spaced launches create confusion for consumers, but also for creators who have to explain, test, and compare. By sequencing, Meta avoids market saturation and can make 2026 a year of "accessible wearables": an update to the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, and the arrival of the watch. The MR would then return as a more ambitious step.
For brands, the opportunity is clear: a new wearable redefines formats and touchpoints. A Meta watch could generate entirely new mechanisms: smarter sponsored notifications, fitness challenges linked to Instagram, or "phygital" experiences where the wrist triggers an interaction within an event. Creativity must remain controlled: too intrusive, and the user shuts it down. Too neutral, and the innovation goes unnoticed.
Let's get back to Lina, on the business side. She's signed a sports and wellness partnership. If Meta is relaunching its smartwatch project With a health-focused positioning, the campaign can be built on evidence: routines, regularity, recovery, and storytelling. The watch isn't used for "monitoring," but to provide a credible narrative thread. And when smart glasses capture moments in life, the coherence becomes complete: the moment (glasses) and the progression (watch).
In terms of platforms, Meta has an often underestimated advantage: social infrastructure. From trends to communities, the hardware can amplify what already works. A useful insight can be found in This analysis of social media trends in 2026, which shows how usage is shifting towards more contextual, conversational, and AI-assisted content.
The rivalry with Apple then becomes a rivalry of interface: an extension of a phone on one side, AI agent connected to a scene On the other hand. The difference is subtle, but decisive if the execution follows. Final insight: The winner will be the one who makes AI invisible without making the user dependent..
These analyses help to understand the tension between autonomy, health sensors, and the real value of embedded AI, a triptych that will determine adoption beyond the novelty effect.
FAQ
Why is Meta relaunching its smartwatch project in 2026?
Meta is reviving its smartwatch project to transform the wrist into an everyday AI interface. The return aims to offer practical applications of Meta AI, coupled with health features, and to strengthen a coherent ecosystem with the group's smart glasses and social media platforms.
How is Meta relaunching its smartwatch project with "Malibu 2" and what is the objective?
Meta is relaunching its smartwatch project under the codename "Malibu 2" to move from prototype to practical applications. The goal is to combine fitness tracking, health alerts, and AI assistance to reduce the friction between notifications and actions, particularly for creators and mobile users.
What health benefits are expected if Meta relaunches its smartwatch project?
Meta is relaunching its smartwatch project with a health focus to meet a market standard. Expected benefits include activity tracking, recovery monitoring, and contextualized recommendations powered by Meta AI, designed to help users maintain a sustainable lifestyle without overexertion.
Meta is relaunching its smartwatch project: will the Meta AI assistant be central?
Meta is relaunching its smartwatch project, placing Meta AI at the heart of the experience. The assistant is expected to filter information, summarize messages, suggest replies, and propose quick actions, making the watch more useful than a simple notification screen.
How is Meta reviving its smartwatch project to work with smart glasses?
Meta is reviving its smartwatch project to create a seamless connection between the wrist and the eyes. The watch could serve as a discreet control device, complementing capture via glasses and facilitating sharing, offering a more mainstream experience than a dedicated neural bracelet.
Meta is reviving its smartwatch project: is iOS and Android compatibility likely?
Meta is relaunching its smartwatch project with the ambition of widespread adoption. iOS and Android compatibility is consistent with this strategy, although the experience could be better when the watch is paired with Meta services and its smart glasses.
What risks must Meta avoid when relaunching its smartwatch project in the face of competition from Apple and Samsung?
Meta is relaunching its smartwatch project in a saturated market, so the main risk is commoditization. To stand out, the device must offer truly contextual AI, good battery life, and a clear ecosystem benefit with glasses and social apps, without being intrusive.
How can Meta's relaunch of its smartwatch project help influencers on a daily basis?
Meta is relaunching its smartwatch project with features that can enhance influence. The watch can speed up message management, prioritize alerts, and offer simplified performance indicators, reducing the time spent navigating between tools and applications.
Meta relaunches its smartwatch project: what opportunities does this offer for brands in influencer marketing?
Meta is relaunching its smartwatch project by opening up new touchpoints and formats. Brands can imagine fitness challenges, event experiences, and health-related activations, with more precise measurement of interactions, provided they preserve the user experience.
When Meta relaunches its smartwatch project, should we expect a launch linked to the XR roadmap?
Meta is relaunching its smartwatch project with a clearer sequence of its hardware strategy. Postponing certain mobile networking (MR) projects allows them to focus on affordable wearables, making a 2026 launch more understandable and better integrated into the ecosystem.
ValueYourNetwork ValueYourNetwork helps brands and creators capitalize on these product shifts, transforming innovation (AI, wearables, new formats) into measurable performance. An expert in influencer marketing since 2016, ValueYourNetwork has led hundreds of successful campaigns on social networks, with a proven method for connecting influencers and brands at the right time and on the right channels. To activate a strategy around the arrival of Malibu 2, smart glasses, or Meta AI applications, contact us.