# Pebble Revives Slimmest Smartwatch as Round 2
Pebble, the iconic e-paper smartwatch brand, is set to relaunch its legendary Pebble Time Round as "Round 2," teasing fans with a mysterious circular design that promises to fix the original's shortcomings like short battery life. After nearly a decade since the slimline watch's discontinuation, founder Eric Migicovsky's revival effort through open-source PebbleOS has sparked excitement, with a reveal hinted for December 9, potentially shipping in 2026.[3][2]
Pebble Time Round's Legacy and the Tease for Round 2
The original Pebble Time Round, launched almost ten years ago, stood out for its ultra-slim design and ease of use but faced criticism for just two days of battery life—far below Pebble's typical seven-day standard—due to its brighter display.[3] Pebble's recent social media post on X featured an animated circular watch face with a ticking second hand and the tagline "Something's coming…" alongside a December 9, 7AM PST timestamp, strongly suggesting a refreshed Round 2 model.[3] Unlike Pebble's current rectangular offerings like the Pebble Time 2 and Pebble 2 Duo, the circular form factor matches the Time Round's unique aesthetic, positioning it as the prime candidate for this revival.[3][2]
Core Devices, led by Migicovsky, emphasizes longevity with fully open-source hardware schematics, PebbleOS, and a federated app repository backed by Archive.org, preventing the "black hole" obsolescence seen when Fitbit shut down original Pebble servers in 2016.[1] This approach democratizes development, allowing users to customize or even build their own variants.[1][2]
Key Upgrades and Features in the New Pebble Lineup
Pebble's revival focuses on always-on e-paper screens, extended battery life up to 30 days, and simple button-based interfaces, reviving the quirky design that debuted on Kickstarter in 2012.[2][4] The teased Round 2 builds on the unreleased 2016 Pebble Time 2's screen, adding a speaker, touchscreen, and sensors like a 6-axis IMU, compass, barometer, microphone, and linear resonance actuator for haptics.[2][3] Current models like Pebble Time 2 start at $149 with March 2026 shipping, while premium variants hit $225 with extras like RGB LED backlights and heart rate monitoring.[2]
Migicovsky confirmed three new devices in development, including early engineering samples from Shenzhen trips, fueling speculation about a Pebble Index Round or colored variants alongside the core smartwatch lineup.[5] Open-source PebbleOS, enabled by Google's January 2025 release, empowers community-driven features without vendor lock-in.[1][2]
Open-Source Strategy Ensures Longevity Against Obsolescence
By open-sourcing everything from the OS to mobile apps and schematics, Pebble avoids single points of failure, shifting to a package-manager-like model where multiple feeds host apps and watchfaces.[1] This insures against company failure, as seen with Fitbit's server shutdown that nearly bricked original devices—now mitigated by community archives.[1] Pebble's lean, pre-order-driven model with no investors prioritizes "awesome smartwatches" for niche needs like long battery and customizability, differentiating from bloated competitors.[4][5]
Community Buzz and Future Possibilities
Fans speculate on variants like Pebble Index Steel or even non-watch devices such as a small Android phone or pendant notifier, reflecting Pebble's evolution from its 2016 Fitbit acquisition.[5] With shipping slated for July 2026 on some models and polished gold/silver finishes teased, Round 2 could reclaim Pebble's crown as the slimmest, most reliable smartwatch.[2][6]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pebble Time Round 2?
The Pebble Time Round 2 is a teased revival of the original slim circular smartwatch, featuring an updated e-paper display, speaker, touchscreen, and vastly improved battery life over the 2016 model's two days.[3][2]
When will the new Pebble Round 2 launch?
Pebble teased a reveal on December 9 at 7AM PST, with some models like Pebble Time 2 starting shipping in March 2026 and others in July.[3][2]
Why is Pebble going fully open-source?
Open-sourcing PebbleOS, apps, and hardware prevents obsolescence if the company fails, using federated repositories like Archive.org backups to ensure longevity.[1]
What are the key specs of Pebble's new smartwatches?
Expect 30-day battery life, 6-axis IMU, compass, barometer, speaker, mic, haptics, and prices from $149, with customizable open-source software.[2]
How does Round 2 differ from current Pebble watches?
Unlike rectangular Pebble Time 2 and Pebble 2 Duo, Round 2 revives the circular slim design, potentially matching the unreleased Time 2 screen with modern upgrades.[3][2]
Can I customize or build my own Pebble watch?
Yes, fully open-source PebbleOS allows software modifications or building custom hardware without permission.[1][2]
🔄 Updated: 1/2/2026, 3:10:22 PM
Pebble has relaunched the **Pebble Round 2**, a refreshed version of its 2015 flagship that addresses the original's critical flaws while maintaining its signature 8.1mm thickness[1]. The new model features a **1.3-inch edge-to-edge e-paper touchscreen** with improved viewing angles and reduced glare, plus **10-14 days of battery life** (up from the original's poor endurance) and dual microphones for AI interaction[1][4]. Available for pre-order at **$199** with May 2026 shipping, the Round 2 deliberately omits a heart-rate sensor and speaker to differentiate
🔄 Updated: 1/2/2026, 3:20:21 PM
Pebble has officially announced the Round 2, a revived version of its 2015 Time Round smartwatch, featuring a slim 8.1mm profile with a 1.3-inch color e-paper touchscreen and over two weeks of battery life.[2] Founder Eric Migicovsky reported receiving over 50,000 pre-orders across the company's smartwatch lineup, demonstrating significant demand for a device that prioritizes simplicity and longevity over feature-heavy competitors like the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch.[4] The Round 2 is available for pre-order at $199, with shipping expected in May 2026, and represents Pebble's strategy
🔄 Updated: 1/2/2026, 3:30:23 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Pebble Round 2 Reshapes Smartwatch Competition with Ultra-Thin Revival**
Pebble's Round 2, at just **8.1mm thick** with over **two weeks** of battery life and an edge-to-edge 1.3-inch color e-paper display, directly challenges "chunkier smartwatches from other manufacturers," positioning itself as a slimmer, more elegant alternative in a market dominated by feature-packed giants[2]. Against leaders like **Apple Watch**, **Samsung Galaxy Watch**, **Google Pixel Watch**, and **Garmin** devices—which prioritize dense integrations over simplicity—the Round 2 banks on "long battery life" and a "distraction-free experience" to attract users tired o
🔄 Updated: 1/2/2026, 3:40:13 PM
**Pebble Smartwatch Relaunch Faces US Tariff Scrutiny.** In a direct regulatory nod amid Pebble's revival of its slimmest smartwatch lineup—including the teased Round 2 model—Core Devices has flagged a **$10 per watch US customs tariff** exclusively for American buyers, prepaid under DDP shipping terms from Asia.[2] The policy allows pre-order cancellations with refunds (minus fees) if tariff rates shift, as shipments for models like the $199 Pebble Time 2 gear up for April-May 2026 delivery.[2] No broader government interventions or international responses have surfaced yet.
🔄 Updated: 1/2/2026, 3:50:13 PM
Pebble has officially announced the **Pebble Round 2**, a revival of its 2015 Time Round smartwatch that addresses the original model's critical flaws with an ultra-slim 8.1mm profile, a borderless 1.3-inch color e-paper display, and extended battery life of more than two weeks on a single charge.[1] Founder Eric Migicovsky emphasized that the redesign deliberately avoids the mistakes of the past, focusing on utility and user customization rather than unnecessary features like heart-rate sensors, with the device priced at $199 and shipping expected in May 2026.[1][3] The revival leverages a **complete open-
🔄 Updated: 1/2/2026, 4:00:17 PM
Pebble has announced the **Pebble Round 2**, a revived version of its 2015 smartwatch that addresses previous design failures with a 1.3-inch color e-paper touchscreen stretching edge-to-edge, an 8.1mm thin profile, and **battery life exceeding two weeks**—a dramatic improvement over the original's two-day lifespan.[1][3] Founder Eric Migicovsky emphasized the device represents a philosophical shift away from feature bloat, instead focusing on utility, customization, and open-source longevity, with the company releasing the operating system, mobile app, and hardware schematics as open-source to prevent
🔄 Updated: 1/2/2026, 4:10:12 PM
I cannot provide a news update about consumer and public reaction to the Pebble Round 2, as the search results contain no information about how consumers or the public have responded to this announcement. The available sources only cover the product's specifications, pricing ($199), pre-order availability, and the company's design philosophy, but do not include any reaction data, user feedback, reviews, or public sentiment.
To write an accurate news update on this topic, I would need search results that include consumer reviews, social media reactions, pre-order numbers, or quotes from users or industry analysts responding to the announcement.
🔄 Updated: 1/2/2026, 4:20:17 PM
I cannot provide a news update about consumer and public reaction to the Pebble Round 2 because the search results contain no information about how consumers or the public have responded to the announcement. The available sources only describe the device's specifications, pricing, and availability details, but do not include any quotes, reviews, or reactions from users or commentators. To write an accurate news update on this topic, I would need search results that capture actual consumer feedback, social media reactions, or expert commentary on the launch.
🔄 Updated: 1/2/2026, 4:30:26 PM
I cannot provide a news update on regulatory or government response to Pebble's smartwatch revival, as the search results contain no information about government agencies, regulatory bodies, or official policy responses to the company's relaunch. The available sources focus on product specifications, shipping timelines, pricing, and community support through Rebble, but do not address regulatory matters.
To write an accurate news update on this angle, I would need search results specifically covering statements from regulatory agencies, compliance filings, or government policy responses to Pebble's return.
🔄 Updated: 1/2/2026, 4:40:22 PM
**Pebble Round 2 Launch Sparks Nostalgic Enthusiasm Online.** Tech enthusiasts are hailing the rebooted 8.1mm-thin smartwatch as a triumphant fix for the original's flaws, with Droid Life declaring "**It Actually Looks Great**" and praising its 2-week battery life and edge-to-edge 1.3-inch e-paper display at $199.[3] Engadget notes the 2015 model's "**frustrated reviews**" over bezel size and battery but celebrates Round 2's improvements, while pre-orders surged today amid buzz for its May ship date and stainless steel design in black, silver, and rose gold.[2][1]
🔄 Updated: 1/2/2026, 4:50:21 PM
Pebble has unveiled the **Round 2 smartwatch at CES 2026**, measuring just **8.1mm thin** with a **1.3-inch edge-to-edge color e-paper display** (260x260 pixels at 283 DPI) that eliminates the chunky bezel that plagued its 2015 predecessor[1][3]. The device achieves a **two-week battery life** through e-paper's minimal power demands, addressing the original Round's critical shortcoming, while the stainless steel frame and improved viewing angles tackle durability and usability issues that frustrated early adopters[1][3]. At **$199**, the Round
🔄 Updated: 1/2/2026, 5:00:24 PM
**Pebble Round 2 Breaking News Update:** Pebble has officially launched the **Round 2**, reviving its slimmest smartwatch at just **8.1mm thick** with a bezel-free **1.3-inch color e-paper display**, over **two weeks of battery life**, dual microphones for AI interaction, and step/sleep tracking—fixing the original's glare, bezels, and short runtime.[1][3][6] Founder **Eric Migicovsky** emphasized, *"We fixed the bezel, we fixed the battery, we fixed the screen, and kept what made it special,"* while embracing full open-source OS, apps, and schematics via Core Devices to prevent obsolescence
🔄 Updated: 1/2/2026, 5:10:20 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Pebble Revives Slimmest Smartwatch as Round 2**
Industry insiders hail rePebble's **Pebble Round 2** as a stylish revival of the original Pebble tradition, featuring a bezel-free **1.3-inch color e-paper display** (260x260 pixels at 283 DPI), **8.1mm thin stainless steel frame**, and **two-week battery life**—thinner and sharper than the original PTR, per rePebble's engineering team[1][2]. Experts praise its "quirky design" and open-source ecosystem with "thousands of watchfaces and apps," positioning it against bulkier rivals at **$199** (pre-orders live, shipping
🔄 Updated: 1/2/2026, 5:20:22 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Pebble Round 2 Launch Sparks Global Enthusiasm for Open-Source Wearables**
Pebble's Round 2, priced at **$199 (~€169 / AU$295)** with shipping in May 2026, is igniting international buzz for its **two-week battery life**, edge-to-edge 1.3-inch e-paper display, and fully open-source OS that prevents obsolescence by decentralizing app repositories to platforms like Archive.org[1][2][3]. Founder Eric Migicovsky emphasized utility over bulk, stating, **"We fixed the bezel, we fixed the battery, we fixed the screen, and kept what made it special,"** drawing praise from UK outlets like T3 an
🔄 Updated: 1/2/2026, 5:30:22 PM
**Pebble Round 2 Breaking News Update:** Pebble has launched the **Round 2**, reviving its slimmest smartwatch at **8.1mm thick** with a bezel-free **1.3-inch color e-paper display**, over **two weeks** of battery life, dual microphones for AI interaction, and step/sleep tracking—fixing the original's flaws like glare and short runtime, as founder **Eric Migicovsky** stated: "We fixed the bezel, we fixed the battery, we fixed the screen, and kept what made it special."[1][3] Pre-orders are live at **$199** for silver, gold, and black finishes with 14mm/20mm straps