In a surprising continuation of its recent revival, Pebble has announced the Pebble Round 2, a modern reimagining of its beloved 2015 circular smartwatch. Unveiled just ahead of CES 2026, the new model addresses the original's shortcomings with a larger, edge-to-edge display, touchscreen capabilities, and a promised two-week battery life, all while retaining the signature thin and lightweight design that fans adored. This launch follows the 2025 comeback of the Pebble Time 2 and Pebble 2 Duo, signaling a determined effort by founder Eric Migicovsky to reclaim the brand's place in a wearables market now dominated by tech giants.
The Pebble Round 2 Builds on a Cult Classic Design
The original Pebble Time Round was celebrated for its remarkably thin, 8.1mm profile and circular form factor, a stark contrast to the rectangular smartwatches that dominated the market. The Pebble Round 2 honors this legacy by reusing the mechanical design of its predecessor but makes significant visual and functional improvements. Most notably, the once-prominent bezels have been eliminated in favor of a sleek, edge-to-edge 1.3-inch color e-paper touchscreen. This display is both larger and offers a higher resolution than the 2015 model, providing a more modern and immersive viewing experience. The watch will be available in three finishes: silver, matte black, and rose gold, with matching silicone bands and optional leather straps.
Pebble Round 2 Key Specifications
- Display: 1.3-inch color e-paper touchscreen, edge-to-edge
- Design: Circular, 8.1mm thin stainless steel case
- Colors: Silver, Matte Black, Rose Gold
- Battery Life: ~2 weeks
- Sensors: Microphone, Accelerometer, Magnetometer
- Notable Omissions: Heart-rate sensor, Speaker
- Band Options: 20mm (Silver, Black), 14mm (Rose Gold); Silicone and optional leather
- Water Resistance: Yes
- OS: Open-source PebbleOS
- Price: USD 200
- Preorder Status: Open now
- Estimated Shipping: May 2026
Key Specifications and Feature Upgrades
Beyond the aesthetic overhaul, the Pebble Round 2 incorporates several key upgrades that address the limitations of older Pebble devices. Battery life, a cornerstone of the Pebble philosophy, is estimated at roughly two weeks, a substantial improvement that maintains the brand's appeal for users tired of daily charging. The watch now also features water resistance, a built-in microphone for voice commands, and basic sensors including an accelerometer and magnetometer for activity and navigation features. It runs on the open-source PebbleOS, granting access to the legacy Pebble Appstore. However, the company has made deliberate trade-offs, omitting a heart-rate sensor and speaker to preserve the device's minimalist ethos and form factor.
Pricing, Availability, and Pebble's Remarkable Comeback Story
Pebble has opened preorders for the Round 2 at a price point of USD 200, with shipping expected to begin in May 2026. The company notes the device is currently in the design verification stage and will be showcased at CES 2026. This launch is the latest chapter in Pebble's unlikely resurrection. After being acquired by Fitbit in 2016 and later absorbed into Google, the Pebble software was open-sourced, allowing a community-driven effort to keep the platform alive. Founder Eric Migicovsky eventually regained the Pebble trademark, leading to the brand's relaunch under Core Devices in 2025. The Round 2's development was streamlined by reusing the electrical design from the recent Pebble Time 2 and the mechanical design from the original Time Round.
Pebble's Revival Timeline
- 2015: Original Pebble Time Round launches.
- 2016: Pebble is acquired by Fitbit for USD 23 million.
- 2021: Google acquires Fitbit; Pebble software is open-sourced.
- 2025: Pebble brand revives under Core Devices; Pebble Time 2 and Pebble 2 Duo announced.
- 2026 (Jan): Pebble Round 2 and Index 01 smart ring announced ahead of CES.
Market Context and Consumer Choice
The announcement of the Round 2 presents an interesting choice for Pebble enthusiasts and minimalist smartwatch seekers. For customers who already pre-ordered the squared-off Pebble Time 2—which has experienced shipping delays—Pebble is allowing them to switch their preorder to the circular Round 2. This new model enters a niche but persistent segment of the market that values long battery life, sunlight-readable displays, and physical buttons over the full-smartphone-on-your-wrist approach of Apple Watch or Wear OS devices. While it forgoes advanced health tracking, the Pebble Round 2's focus on core notifications, timeless design, and exceptional battery life offers a distinct and nostalgic alternative in the wearable space.