The revived smartwatch project is codenamed “Malibu 2” internally. Insiders assume that this watch could go on sale soon. Meta’s development department now seems to have overcome the biggest hurdle. Wrist gesture recognition appears to be a solved problem as the latest version of AR glasses, Meta Ray-Ban Display, comes with the Neural Band to allow users to interact with the integrated display using hand gestures. However, there is no built-in display or additional sensors.
Farewell to cameras
Rumor has it that Meta was planning to introduce three models at the same time in 2022. Their most important unique selling point, integrated cameras, will no longer play a role in the new edition. This is an understandable decision if the company designs the smartwatches as an accessory to AR glasses – these already have two cameras, one for photos and one for video recordings.
Apple vs Meta
It seems as if the two Californian companies are moving towards each other from different directions: Apple has now gained more than a decade of experience with smartwatches, but is more of a newcomer when it comes to VR glasses. Meanwhile, Facebook has started gaining experience with VR and AR headsets early on since acquiring Oculus in 2014. The screen version of the smart glasses apparently met with such great demand that Meta delayed the international sales start of the Meta Ray-Ban Display, which has been available in the USA since September 30, 2025. The Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta with camera and microphone are currently available in the EU, but not the version with a display.