Pebble Launches Round 2 Smartwatch, Addressing Past Flaws

Core Devices has officially announced the launch of the new Pebble Round 2 smartwatch, which aims to rectify the shortcomings of its predecessor, the Pebble Time Round. The updated model will be showcased at CES 2026 and is set to ship in May 2024. This release marks a significant moment for Pebble, which has experienced a resurgence in the smartwatch market after its revival in 2024.

The Pebble Round 2 features a vibrant color e-paper display with a 1.3-inch edge-to-edge screen, offering a noticeable improvement over the original model’s large bezel. The enhanced display not only increases screen real estate but also enhances the user experience for those looking to utilize smart features.

One of the standout attributes of the Pebble Round 2 is its promised battery life of up to seven days, a dramatic improvement compared to the Pebble Time Round, which typically lasted only a couple of days. Remarkably, Core Devices achieved this upgrade without significantly increasing the watch’s thickness, maintaining a sleek design at just 8.1mm thick.

In a strategic move, the price of the Pebble Round 2 is set at $199, making it more affordable than its predecessor, which was priced at $249. This pricing strategy may attract a broader audience, especially as consumers look for alternatives to more expensive smartwatches from brands like Apple and Samsung.

The new smartwatch is equipped with modern features, including step and sleep tracking, an accelerometer, and a magnetometer. It also includes a touch screen, although Pebble emphasizes that users can choose to operate the device without it. Additionally, the Pebble Round 2 boasts water resistance rated at an unclear level of “30m target,” which is expected to appeal to active users.

The Pebble Round 2 joins a growing portfolio of Pebble devices, which includes the Pebble Time 2 and the recently released Pebble Index 01, a smart ring designed for quick voice note recording. This diversification suggests that the open-source Pebble platform is evolving from mere survival to a phase of growth, bolstered by a dedicated fanbase and a reported 15,000 applications and “thousands of watch faces.”

Core Devices continues to prioritize open-source development, ensuring that the Pebble ecosystem remains accessible and adaptable. The Pebble Round 2 is currently available for pre-order, with shipping expected to commence in May 2024.

Color options for the smartwatch will include matte black, brushed silver, and polished rose gold. Notably, the Pebble Round 2 will support both iOS and Android platforms, a feature that enhances its versatility in a competitive market.

As anticipation builds for the unveiling at CES 2026, many are eager to see if the Pebble Round 2 will indeed deliver on its promises. Core Devices asserts that all images released are of functional models, and the upcoming exhibition will provide the first hands-on opportunities for consumers and critics alike to evaluate the improvements made since the original Pebble Time Round.

The technology community is closely monitoring this development, and updates from CES will be extensively covered. This event promises to showcase not only the Pebble Round 2 but also a host of other innovative products, reinforcing the ongoing evolution of wearable technology.