Meta Platforms Inc has revived plans to develop its own smartwatch, aiming for a 2026 launch according to The Information, signaling a renewed push into wearables after scrapping similar ambitions in 2022. This strategic pivot comes as Meta's AI-powered Ray-Ban glasses have become a breakout success, with shipments surging to nearly 6 million units in 2025. The smartwatch could debut just before a pair of upcoming augmented reality glasses, though specific details remain scarce.

The Information report cites two sources familiar with the matter, highlighting a resurgence in wearable popularity, especially when integrated with artificial intelligence. Meta's previous smartwatch initiative was abandoned in 2022 amid broader cost-cutting measures. The revived plan underscores the company's determination to compete in the lucrative wearable tech market, leveraging its AI expertise and the proven success of its glasses partnership with EssilorLuxottica.

This move suggests Meta is doubling down on hardware beyond its core social media and advertising business, seeking new revenue streams and user engagement channels. The 2026 target represents a significant gamble for Meta, requiring substantial investment and execution capability to challenge established players like Apple and Samsung in the crowded smartwatch arena. While the timing and features remain unclear, the announcement confirms Meta's ambition to become a major hardware player, building on the momentum of its AI glasses success.

The market will be watching closely to see if this revival translates into a viable product that can capture consumer interest and generate meaningful revenue, potentially reshaping Meta's hardware strategy for years to come.