Meta Platforms is reportedly preparing to enter the wearable technology market with the launch of its first smartwatch in 2026, marking a strategic expansion beyond social media and virtual reality into integrated hardware ecosystems.
The move comes as Meta accelerates its long-term vision of building the metaverse and strengthening its position in augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and connected consumer devices. While the company has already made significant inroads with its Ray-Ban smart glasses and Quest VR headsets, a smartwatch would further anchor its hardware portfolio in everyday consumer use.
Industry observers suggest the smartwatch could integrate tightly with Meta’s AI ecosystem, offering voice-driven assistance, messaging, fitness tracking, and possibly gesture-based controls for AR glasses. Such a device would likely compete with established players like Apple, Samsung, and Google in the premium wearable segment.
Meta’s renewed push into hardware reflects CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on mobile operating systems controlled by competitors and build a vertically integrated platform combining AI, software, and proprietary devices.
If successful, the 2026 smartwatch launch could position Meta as a stronger contender in the global wearables market, reinforcing its ambition to create a seamless digital experience spanning social networking, immersive computing, and AI-powered personal devices.
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