A significant pivot in the hardware strategy of Meta Platforms was documented on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as it was reported that the social media titan intends to release its inaugural smartwatch within the current calendar year. According to disclosures provided by individuals familiar with the matter, the project, internally designated as “Malibu 2,” has been revived after a period of dormancy. This upcoming device is expected to distinguish itself through the integration of sophisticated health-tracking capabilities and a natively built-in Meta AI assistant. The move is perceived by industry observers as a critical effort to expand the company’s ecosystem of consumer electronics, moving beyond its established dominance in social media and into the highly competitive domain of personal health and ambient computing.
The journey toward this product launch has been characterized by a complex developmental history. It has been noted that the prospect of a Meta-branded smartwatch was first explored approximately five years ago, at which time ambitious designs involving three-camera configurations were considered. However, those initial efforts were shelved in 2022 as part of a broader fiscal restructuring within the corporation’s Reality Labs division, which had been mandated to curtail spending amidst shifting macroeconomic conditions. The decision to resume the project in 2026 suggests that a new strategic priority has been established, one that views the wrist as a vital interface for the company’s rapidly advancing artificial intelligence technology.
The resurgence of interest in wearables is understood to be driven by the broader artificial intelligence boom. A trend has emerged in which consumer gadgets are being imbued with generative AI to offer more personalized and proactive services, particularly in the sectors of wellness and fitness. Meta’s success in the smartglasses category has served as a primary catalyst for this renewed confidence. It was revealed that shipments of the AI-powered eyewear developed in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, climbed to nearly 6 million units in the preceding year. This robust performance has validated the consumer appetite for AI-enhanced wearables, though it has also created logistical challenges; for instance, the international expansion of certain display glasses was recently paused due to a domestic supply shortage in the United States.
Beyond the smartwatch, the development of augmented reality (AR) and mixed-reality (MR) hardware remains a central pillar of the company’s long-term vision. It is understood that approximately four distinct variations of AR and MR glasses are currently being cultivated within the Reality Labs unit. However, a recalibration of release timelines has reportedly been initiated to mitigate the risk of market saturation and consumer confusion. Internal communications have indicated that the launch of “Phoenix,” a highly anticipated set of mixed-reality glasses, has been deferred until 2027. This disciplined approach to the product roadmap reflects a transition from experimental rapid-fire releases toward a more measured and synchronized hardware strategy.
The integration of a Meta AI assistant into the wrist-worn form factor is viewed as a significant technical maneuver. Unlike traditional smartwatches that rely heavily on smartphone tethering for complex tasks, the “Malibu 2” is expected to leverage on-device AI processing to provide real-time health insights and conversational assistance. By utilizing the wrist as a continuous data-collection point, the company aims to refine its biometric algorithms, potentially offering users more nuanced feedback on physical exertion and recovery. This data-driven approach is expected to place Meta in direct competition with established players like Apple and Samsung, who have long utilized health metrics as a primary driver of consumer loyalty.
While Meta has declined to provide official commentary on these reports, the fiscal implications of a successful hardware launch are significant. The diversification of revenue streams away from advertising and toward high-margin consumer electronics is a stated objective of the corporation’s leadership. The success of the “Malibu 2” will be largely determined by its ability to provide a seamless user experience that justifies the inclusion of yet another screen in the user’s daily life. As the 2026 release window approaches, the focus of the technology community will likely remain fixed on the device’s battery efficiency and the degree to which the AI assistant can operate independently of the mobile handset.
Ultimately, the 2026 narrative for Meta Platforms is defined by a transition from a software-first entity to a multifaceted technology hardware provider. The “Malibu 2” smartwatch represents more than just a new product; it is a manifestation of the company’s belief that artificial intelligence will be most effectively delivered through devices that are worn rather than held. If the integration of health tracking and generative AI proves successful, the wrist may become the most important piece of real estate in Meta’s quest to define the next era of human-computer interaction.
