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Yes—Pebble is returning under its founder, Eric Migicovsky, through the independent company Core Devices. Its revived watches keep the original idea of an always-on reflective screen, physical controls and long battery life, but they are phone companions, not replacements for an Apple Watch or Garmin. The current lineup includes Pebble 2 Duo, Pebble Time 2 and Pebble Round 2; which one suits you depends mainly on whether you want simplicity, a larger display and heart-rate tracking, or a slimmer round design.
What happened to Pebble, and why is it coming back?
Pebble launched on Kickstarter in 2012 and sold more than 2 million watches before its intellectual property was sold to Fitbit in 2016, according to Core Devices’ founder page. Fitbit was later acquired by Google. The new watches are being made by Core Devices, Eric Migicovsky’s independent company—not by Google. Core Devices says it is not affiliated with Google.
The revival became practical after Google released PebbleOS as open-source software in 2025. That gave Core Devices a foundation to build on instead of requiring it to recreate an entire smartwatch operating system. The goal is also intentionally narrower than Pebble’s original ambitions: a watch for telling time, seeing notifications, controlling music, setting alarms, checking weather and calendar information, and tracking basic steps and sleep.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesMigicovsky has described the watch as “a companion to my phone, rather than a replacement for my phone.” The company’s product page is similarly direct: “These watches are not made for everyone.” It cautions buyers who expect a highly polished smartwatch or a dedicated fitness and sports watch.
#1 Best Overall
- 24/7 Health Tracking: Watch 3 Pro can monitor heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO₂), stress levels in real time with an advanced 4-channel sensor for improved accuracy during activity and rest. This health tracker smartwatch can offer advanced sleep tracking helps analyze naps, recovery, and sleep quality for better daily wellness insights.
- 130+ Sports Modes: The sports smartwatch supports 130+ exercise modes with GOMORE-powered performance analysis, 7-type motion recognition, and precision activity tracking to help monitor workouts, training load, recovery, and daily movement more accurately. Active Score (MET-based fitness tracking), precision step counting, and smart health guidance help support a healthier lifestyle.
- Smart Everyday Convenience: Stay connected with the bluetooth smartwatch featuring dual high-performance MEMS microphones, a built-in speaker, and AI-based noise reduction trained on over 100,000 voice samples for clearer calls. Make and receive calls directly from your wrist, sync up to 30 contacts for quick access, control music playback, and send quick replies while working, commuting, cooking, or exercising without constantly checking your phone.
- 13-Day Battery Life: Enjoy up to 13 days of battery life on the smartwatch with just 2.5 hours charging time for daily use. Designed for work, workouts, travel, and busy schedules, CMF Watch 3 Pro delivers reliable power for music playback, quick replies, calls, and everyday activity tracking without frequent charging interruptions.
- AMOLED Display & Smart Lifestyle Sync: Featuring a vibrant AMOLED display, this smartwatch for Android and iPhone delivers clear visibility for health data, messages, and workouts indoors or outdoors. Seamlessly sync with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Strava to manage fitness tracking, wellness insights, and daily activity data in one connected ecosystem.
A deliberately smaller company
TechCrunch reported in January 2026 that Core Devices had five people, no outside funding and 25,000 smartwatch preorders, alongside about 5,000 preorders for its Index 01 ring. WIRED reported in 2025 that the company was making roughly 10,000 initial Core 2 Duo units and slightly more Core Time 2 units. Those are snapshots from different dates, not current inventory figures. A small, direct-sales operation can limit the risk of building too much stock, but production, shipping estimates and support capacity can change as demand develops. Migicovsky told WIRED he was aiming for a sustainable business rather than a fast-growing, “do-or-die” company.
Which Pebble watch should you choose?
Core Devices’ store lists Pebble 2 Duo, Pebble Time 2 and Pebble Round 2. The table separates what the product information establishes from details that have not been stated for a model. Prices are listed prices reported by Core Devices in 2026 except for Core 2 Duo, whose $149 price was reported by WIRED in 2025; check the store for current price, stock and delivery estimates.
Rank #2
- STYLISH DESIGN, BRIGHT DISPLAY: The sleek stainless steel build blends classic style with workout durability, while the bright 1.32" AMOLED display keeps your data easy to read, even under bright sunlight.
- PRECISE HEART RATE AND SLEEP TRACKING: Amazfit's BioTracker technology tracks your heart rate and sleep data with accuracy that previous sensors just can't match.
- UP TO 10 DAYS OF BATTERY LIFE: With long battery life that lasts up to 10 days with typical use, nightly recharges are a thing of the past.
- FREE MAPS WITH TURN DIRECTIONS: Stay on-track with free downloadable maps, and get turn-by-turn guidance on-screen or via your Bluetooth headphones. Enjoy ski maps for global resorts, including guidance for cable cars, slopes, and more.
- FASTER AND MORE ACCURATE GPS TRACKING: 5 satellite positioning systems ensure fast GPS connection and accurate positioning whenever you're out running, walking, cycling or hiking.
| Model | Display and design | Battery estimate | Sensors and health features | Controls and bands | Water resistance | Price and best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pebble 2 Duo / Core 2 Duo | 1.26-inch monochrome e-paper display; WIRED described the 2025 Core 2 Duo as the closest modern analogue to the black-and-white Pebble 2. Case material and weight: not stated in the cited WIRED description. | 30 days, as reported by WIRED for the 2025 model. | Barometer and compass; step and sleep tracking. Heart-rate sensor: not listed in the cited description. | Four buttons, as reported by WIRED. Strap width: not stated in the cited description. | IPX8, as reported by WIRED. | $149, reported by WIRED in 2025. Best fit if you want the simplest, monochrome Pebble-style experience. |
| Pebble Time 2 | 1.5-inch, 64-color e-paper display at 200 × 228 resolution; stainless steel and polycarbonate; 33 g without a strap. | 30 days estimated, according to Core Devices’ 2026 product information. | 6-axis IMU, heart-rate sensor and compass; heart-rate, step and sleep tracking. | Input method and strap width: not stated in Core Devices’ 2026 product information. | 30 m, according to Core Devices’ 2026 product information. | $225 listed by Core Devices in 2026. Best fit if you want the largest stated display and heart-rate tracking. |
| Pebble Round 2 | Full-face 1.3-inch, 64-color e-paper display; stainless-steel case; 26.8 g without a strap. Matte black, brushed silver and polished rose gold options. | Approximately two weeks, according to Core Devices’ 2026 announcement. | Compass and 3-axis IMU; step and sleep tracking. Heart-rate sensor: not listed in Core Devices’ 2026 product information. | Input method: not stated in the product information. Available in 14 mm and 20 mm versions, with quick-release bands; the watch accepts standard bands in the corresponding width. | 30 m target, according to Core Devices’ 2026 product table. | $199 listed by Core Devices in 2026. Best fit if you prefer a round face and a thinner 14 mm or standard 20 mm band. |
Choose Pebble 2 Duo for a straightforward, monochrome watch
The 2 Duo is the closest choice here to the classic black-and-white Pebble 2: a small monochrome display, four physical buttons, step and sleep tracking, and a long stated battery life. WIRED’s 2025 coverage used the name Core 2 Duo, while Core Devices’ current store lists Pebble 2 Duo. Check the exact model name and current specifications on the store page when ordering; the cited $149 figure is WIRED’s 2025 report, not a guaranteed current price.
Choose Pebble Time 2 for the larger screen and heart-rate sensor
Time 2 has the largest display specified in the lineup and is the only model in this comparison whose cited product information lists a heart-rate sensor. Its 30-day battery figure is an estimate, not a guarantee of the time between charges for every person or use pattern. The product information supplied here does not establish its button layout or strap width, so do not assume those match another Pebble model.
Rank #3
- STYLISH DESIGN, VIBRANT DISPLAY: The lightweight aluminum build blends effortless style with workout durability, while the vivid 1.97" AMOLED display keeps your data easy to read, even under bright sunlight.
- ALL-IN-ONE ACTIVITY TRACKING: The Amazfit Bip 6 fitness tracker watch offers 140+ workout modes including HYROX Race and Strength Training, plus personalized AI coaching and 50m water resistance.
- UP TO 14 DAYS BATTERY LIFE: The Amazfit Bip 6 smart watch powers through your training and recovery for up to two weeks at a time - no nightly charging needed.
- ACCURATE GPS TRACKING & NAVIGATION: Stay on course with free downloadable maps and turn-by-turn directions. Support from 5 satellite systems ensures precise tracking of every move and fast GPS connection.
- 24/7 HEALTH MONITORING: The Amazfit Bip 6 smartwatch provides precise, real-time monitoring of heart rate, sleep, blood-oxygen and stress, empowering you with actionable insights to optimize your health and fitness.
Choose Pebble Round 2 for the round design
Round 2 combines a stainless-steel round case with an always-on color e-paper screen. It is available with either a 14 mm or 20 mm quick-release band, and Core Devices says standard bands of the matching width fit. The company lists more than 15,000 apps and watchfaces in the Pebble ecosystem. That is the size of the available ecosystem as described by Core Devices, not a promise that every older app or watchface will work with every phone or revived model.
How the revived Pebbles compare with Apple Watch and Garmin
These watches make the most sense when judged against Pebble’s stated purpose, not as cheaper versions of an Apple Watch or a Garmin sports watch. Core Devices says third-party watches cannot match Apple Watch on iOS because Apple restricts features such as replying to notifications. The revived Pebbles are designed to show information from a phone and handle a small set of everyday tasks; the phone remains central.
Rank #4
- 【Crystal-Clear Communication】AEAC smartwatch delivers clear call quality with high-definition speakers and microphones. Built with an AI assistant, it enables smooth voice commands and hands-free calls.
- 【Comprehensive Health Monitoring】The AEAC smartwatch tracks vital health metrics—blood oxygen, heart rate, stress, and sleep analysis—providing you with valuable insights for enhanced well-being.
- 【Long-Lasting Battery】Enjoy up to 10 days of use on a quick 2-hour charge. Will monitor your heart rate, steps, activity routes, and calorie burn around the clock, offering a complete view of your health and fitness.
- 【110+ Sports Modes & Waterproof】With 110+ sports modes, this fitness watch supports a wide range of activities, from yoga to swimming. Its 3ATM water-resistant design ensures reliable performance in wet conditions.
- 【1.32" AMOLED Touchscreen】Display offers sharp visuals and smooth responsiveness. Choose from 200+ watch faces or personalize with your own photos, making the watch uniquely yours.
| Consideration | Revived Pebble | Apple Watch or Garmin |
|---|---|---|
| Phone relationship | Designed as a phone companion, not a phone replacement. iOS and Android apps are listed for Round 2 and Time 2. | Features and phone integration depend on the model and phone platform. Core Devices specifically identifies iOS restrictions on third-party watches, including notification replies. |
| Fitness depth | Step and sleep tracking are listed for Round 2 and Time 2; Time 2 also lists heart-rate tracking. Core Devices advises against choosing its watches as dedicated fitness or sports watches. | Not a like-for-like comparison: available product information does not establish equivalent feature lists for specific Apple Watch or Garmin models. If detailed training or sports features are essential, compare the exact models and their current specifications. |
| Battery and charging | Model estimates range from approximately two weeks for Round 2 to 30 days for Time 2 and the WIRED-reported 2025 Core 2 Duo. | No comparable Apple Watch or Garmin battery figures are established here; battery life varies by model and use. |
| Controls and screen | Reflective e-paper and physical-button interaction are part of the Pebble concept. WIRED specifies four buttons on Core 2 Duo; button details for Time 2 and Round 2 are not stated in the cited information. | Interaction and display differ by model. The available information does not support a model-by-model control comparison. |
| Apps and openness | PebbleOS is open source, and Core Devices says the ecosystem includes more than 15,000 apps and watchfaces. Open-source software does not guarantee that every legacy app remains compatible. | Apple and Garmin use their own platform ecosystems; this article does not compare their catalog sizes or openness. |
In practical terms, Pebble is a better match if you value glanceable notifications, buttons, an always-on reflective display, long intervals between charges and the ability to tinker. Choose another category of watch if you expect deep sports analysis, a highly integrated iPhone experience or a polished all-purpose smartwatch.
Can you still use PebbleOS and old Pebble apps?
PebbleOS is open source, and Core Devices is building the revived watches around it. The Round 2 product information lists iOS and Android apps, while Core Devices says the Pebble ecosystem offers more than 15,000 apps and watchfaces. Those facts make the revival more than a new watch using the Pebble name: it is connected to the existing software ecosystem.
However, an open-source operating system and a large app catalog do not establish that every old app, watchface or phone feature will work unchanged. Compatibility can depend on the specific watch, phone operating system, app and current software support. If a particular legacy app is a must-have, verify that app against the specific revived model and current companion-app support before buying.
What to check before ordering
- Confirm the model and listed price. Core Devices lists the Pebble 2 Duo, Pebble Time 2 and Pebble Round 2; prices and inventory can change. The $149 Core 2 Duo price is specifically WIRED’s 2025 report.
- Check the shipping estimate and region. The cited preorder and initial production counts date from 2025 or January 2026; they do not establish today’s availability or delivery date.
- Match the band width. Round 2 is offered in 14 mm and 20 mm versions. Its announcement says each accepts standard quick-release bands in the matching width.
- Verify must-have software. If you rely on notification replies, a particular old app, or a specific health feature, check support for your phone and exact watch rather than assuming all Pebble-era functions carry over.
- Buy for the intended use. These are focused phone companions. Core Devices explicitly warns against buying one for a perfectly polished smartwatch experience or as a dedicated sports watch.
Is a revived Pebble worth considering?
Yes, if the old Pebble trade-off is the point: a simpler watch with an always-on reflective display, physical controls, a comparatively long battery estimate and a hackable software foundation. The range gives buyers distinct choices, from the reported monochrome 2 Duo to the heart-rate-equipped Time 2 and round-screen Round 2. It is not the right purchase if your priority is a premium sports platform or the fullest possible iPhone integration. Core Devices’ small, direct-sales approach and the changing status of supply also make it sensible to check current ordering details rather than rely on an older preorder report.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
