In a move that will delight fans of minimalist, long-lasting wearables, Pebble has officially unveiled the Pebble Round 2. This announcement marks a strategic return to form for the brand, resurrecting the iconic circular design of its 2015 Pebble Time Round. The new model aims to modernize the classic formula with refined hardware and the established PebbleOS ecosystem, positioning itself as a straightforward, stylish smartwatch for everyday use rather than a complex health-tracking device. With pre-orders now live, the tech community is eager to see if this revival can capture the charm of the original while addressing its shortcomings.
A Modern Take on a Beloved Design
The Pebble Round 2 is defined by its sleek, circular aesthetic and remarkably thin profile. At just 8.1mm thick, it maintains the legacy of its predecessor as one of the slimmest smartwatches available. The chassis is crafted from stainless steel, offering a premium feel in three finishes: matte black, brushed silver, and polished rose gold. A significant visual upgrade is the 1.3-inch color e-paper touchscreen display, which now encompasses the entire watch face, eliminating the oversized bezels that were a common critique of older models. With a resolution of 260 x 260 pixels and a density of 283 DPI, the screen provides clear, always-on visibility that is a hallmark of Pebble's energy-efficient display technology.
Pebble Round 2 Key Specifications
- Display: 1.3-inch color e-paper touchscreen (260 x 260 pixels, 283 DPI)
- Design: Stainless steel chassis, 8.1mm thick, 30m water resistance
- Sensors: Accelerometer, magnetometer, dual microphones
- Tracking: Steps, sleep (No heart rate monitor)
- Battery Life: Estimated 10-14 days
- OS: PebbleOS (compatible with 15,000+ existing apps/watch faces)
- Price: USD 199
- Availability: Pre-order now, ships May 2026
- Color/Band Options:
- Matte Black: 20mm band
- Brushed Silver: 14mm or 20mm band
- Polished Rose Gold: 14mm band
Core Features and Targeted Functionality
Under the hood, the Round 2 is equipped with the essentials for a connected experience. It includes an accelerometer and magnetometer for basic motion sensing and navigation, along with dual microphones to enable voice input for commands and, on Android devices, replying to messages. The watch is water-resistant to 30 meters, making it suitable for handwashing and rain. Its health tracking is intentionally basic, focusing on step counting and sleep monitoring, but notably omits a heart rate sensor. This design choice clearly delineates it from fitness-focused wearables, appealing instead to users who want notification management and app access without constant biometric monitoring.
Software and Ecosystem Strength
The Round 2 runs on PebbleOS, an open-source platform with a dedicated following. Its greatest asset is immediate access to the existing Pebble app store, which boasts over 15,000 apps and watch faces. This vast library means users can customize their experience from day one, a significant advantage over watches launching with barren app ecosystems. The four physical buttons around the watch's perimeter provide tactile control for silencing calls, controlling music playback, and navigating the interface, complementing the touchscreen for a versatile user experience.
Battery Life and Pricing Strategy
Pebble estimates the Round 2 will deliver roughly 10 to 14 days of battery life on a single charge, a figure that remains impressive in a market dominated by daily or weekly charging cycles. This endurance is a direct benefit of the power-sipping e-paper display. The watch is priced at USD 199, positioning it as an affordable entry in the smartwatch market. Pre-orders are open immediately, with shipping expected to begin in May. Interestingly, Pebble is offering customers who previously purchased the unreleased Pebble Time 2 the option to switch their order to the new Round 2.
Positioning and Market Context
The launch of the Round 2 follows closely on the heels of Pebble's recent foray into AI audio wearables with the Index 01 smart ring, signaling a period of renewed activity for the brand. The Round 2 does not seek to compete with the advanced sensors of an Apple Watch or Garmin device. Instead, it carves out a niche for users who prioritize a discreet, long-lasting, and highly customizable watch for notifications, simple apps, and timeless style. Its success will likely hinge on appealing to both nostalgic Pebble enthusiasts and new users seeking a reprieve from the complexity and constant charging of mainstream smartwatches.