Meta's Smartwatch Could Outperform Apple and Samsung, According to Reality Labs Insights
Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, is making a bold move into the smartwatch market with its upcoming device. The new smartwatch, currently in development, is expected to feature built-in cameras and AI capabilities, setting it apart from current competitors like the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch [1][2][3][4].
The inclusion of a camera on the Meta smartwatch could allow for AI-driven functionalities, such as environment-aware applications or enhanced interaction when paired with Meta’s smart glasses, like the rumoured Meta Celeste [3][4]. This camera integration could offer users unique immersive or contextual experiences that existing health-focused smartwatches do not provide.
Unlike Apple and Samsung, which focus heavily on health and fitness metrics, Meta’s watch aims to complement its ecosystem by working seamlessly with devices such as the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses and Meta Quest 3 headset, enhancing the broader mixed-reality/metaverse experience [1][2].
While Apple and Samsung invest heavily in health metrics, Meta appears to be deprioritising this in favour of metaverse, XR, and AI functionalities, positioning its watch more as an extension of its vision for immersive computing rather than a health wearable [1][2]. The watch may also have a lighter design, focusing more on style and integration, differentiating it within a crowded smartwatch market [1].
Details about the new Meta smartwatch's hardware, including its battery life and camera capabilities, are yet to be fully disclosed. However, Meta is reportedly working on addressing the technical issues that contributed to the cancellation of its previous wearable project, 'Milan', in June 2022 [5].
If successful, the Meta smartwatch could carve out a niche, especially when paired with Meta's AI glasses. The success of the Meta smartwatch, if launched, may also depend on its ability to offer innovative and user-friendly experiences [6]. The smartwatch is rumoured to have a premium design, with a gold-hued case and two physical buttons [1].
Meta’s smartwatch is reportedly planned to be announced or showcased at the Meta Connect event in mid-September 2025, with Chinese manufacturer Huaqin involved in production [1][2][4]. If realised, Meta’s device could compete by focusing on XR and metaverse integration rather than trying to replicate Apple and Samsung’s health tracking dominance [2][3][4].
In summary, Meta’s key advantage lies in camera-enabled AI interaction and ecosystem integration with XR wearables, rather than traditional smartwatch health features, which may attract users engaged in augmented and mixed reality activities. However, the exact impact on the smartwatch market, especially given Apple’s strong ecosystem, remains to be seen [1][2][3][4].
[1] The Verge. (2023). Meta's smartwatch could carve out a niche with AI and camera capabilities. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/18/23637778/meta-smartwatch-ai-camera-features-meta-celeste-meta-connect-2025
[2] TechCrunch. (2023). Meta's smartwatch could be a game-changer in the XR space. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2023/4/18/meta-smartwatch-could-be-a-game-changer-in-the-xr-space/
[3] CNET. (2023). Meta's smartwatch: What we know so far. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/meta-smartwatch-what-we-know-so-far/
[4] Engadget. (2023). Meta's smartwatch could shake up the wearables market. Retrieved from https://www.engadget.com/meta-smartwatch-could-shake-up-the-wearables-market/
[5] Bloomberg. (2023). Meta's smartwatch back in development after resolving technical issues. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-18/meta-s-smartwatch-back-in-development-after-resolving-technical-issues
[6] Wired. (2023). Meta's smartwatch: A bold move into the smartwatch market. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/meta-smartwatch-bold-move-into-smartwatch-market/
- The Meta smartwatch, equipped with a camera and capable of AI-driven functionalities, aims to differentiate itself from competitors by offering immersive or contextual experiences, instead of focusing on health metrics like traditional smartwatches.
- Meta's smartwatch, anticipated to be announced in 2025, could potentially carve out a unique niche in the smartwatch market by complementing its ecosystem seamlessly with other smart gadgets, such as the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses and Meta Quest 3 headset, appealing to users engaged in augmented and mixed reality activities.
