Pebble launches Round 2 smartwatch for $199, shipping in May 2026. The circular wearable revives the 2015 Pebble Time Round design with modern upgrades and two-week battery life.
The 8.1mm stainless steel watch features a 1.3-inch color e-paper touchscreen that eliminates the original model's massive bezels. Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky's Core Devices company developed the Round 2 using the same electrical circuit design as the upcoming Pebble Time 2.
Battery life reaches 10-14 days per charge, a significant improvement over the original Time Round's two-to-three day endurance. The Round 2 lacks a heart rate sensor and speaker but includes dual microphones for voice input and basic activity tracking.
Preorders opened this week through Pebble's website, with existing Time 2 preorder customers able to switch to the circular model. The watch ships in matte black, brushed silver, and polished rose gold color options.
Pebble's revival continues after the brand's 2016 acquisition by Fitbit and subsequent 2021 Google purchase. Migicovsky regained the Pebble trademark and launched Core Devices in 2024, bringing the open-source PebbleOS platform back to market.
The Round 2 represents Pebble's third product since its return, following the Pebble 2 Duo smartwatch and Index 01 smart ring announced in December 2025. All three devices share access to Pebble's app store with over 15,000 applications and watch faces.
Unlike fitness-focused competitors from Apple, Google, and Samsung, the Round 2 emphasizes minimalist design and extended battery life. The watch tracks steps and sleep patterns but omits advanced health monitoring features common in modern smartwatches.
Water resistance reaches 30 meters (3ATM), and the device includes a 3-axis accelerometer, magnetometer, and four physical buttons. The Round 2 supports both iOS and Android smartphones through Pebble's companion app.
Pebble will showcase the Round 2 at CES 2026 this month, marking the company's first appearance at the Las Vegas technology conference. The watch's development began in March 2025 according to company statements.
Existing Pebble Time 2 preorder customers can switch their $225 square watch reservations for the $199 Round 2 model. The Time 2 offers longer three-to-four week battery life and includes a heart rate monitor but features a rectangular display.
Pebble's hardware ecosystem now spans smartwatches and wearable accessories, with the Index 01 ring serving as a voice memo recorder. The company reportedly plans AI feature integration across its product line following the ring's launch.
The Round 2's thin profile compares favorably to mainstream smartwatches, measuring slightly thicker than the original Time Round's 7.5mm frame but slimmer than most Android-compatible alternatives. Garmin's Venu X1 measures 7.9mm for reference.
Pebble's comeback strategy focuses on niche markets underserved by major tech companies, emphasizing battery longevity and open-source software over comprehensive health tracking. The approach targets users prioritizing notification management and basic functionality over fitness metrics.
Industry analysts note Pebble's potential to capture retro-tech enthusiasts and minimalists seeking alternatives to feature-packed smartwatches. The company's small team and modular design approach enable rapid product development cycles.
The Round 2 enters a smartwatch market dominated by Apple's Watch series and Google's Wear OS devices, with niche players like Garmin and Withings occupying specialized segments. Pebble's distinctive e-paper displays and extended battery life differentiate its offerings.
Pebble's software platform remains open-source, allowing third-party developers to create custom applications and watch faces. The ecosystem survived through community efforts during Pebble's corporate transitions, with Rebble maintaining service continuity.
Future Pebble products may include a small Android smartphone, according to 2023 statements from Migicovsky. The company founder previously mentioned developing six devices over the past year, with three remaining unannounced beyond the Round 2.
Smartwatch market growth continues despite saturation concerns, with consumers increasingly seeking specialized devices for specific use cases. Pebble's focus on battery life and notification management addresses persistent pain points in the wearable category.
The Round 2's May 2026 launch follows the Pebble Time 2's scheduled March release, creating a two-month gap between the company's rectangular and circular smartwatch options. Both models share core hardware components to streamline manufacturing.
Pebble's pricing positions the Round 2 below premium smartwatches while offering superior battery life to mainstream alternatives. The $199 price point undercuts Apple's Watch SE ($249) and Samsung's Galaxy Watch series while delivering weeks between charges.
Consumer response to Pebble's revival products will determine the company's long-term viability in the competitive wearable market. Early interest suggests sustained demand for the brand's distinctive approach to smartwatch design and functionality.
