The smartwatch landscape, dominated by feature-packed giants, is witnessing a nostalgic yet practical revival. Core Devices, the new venture from Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky, has officially unveiled the Pebble Round 2, a modern reinterpretation of the brand's beloved round-faced smartwatch. More than a decade after the original Pebble Time Round, this launch completes a trilogy of reboots, signaling a dedicated effort to bring the minimalist, long-lasting Pebble philosophy back to a new generation of users. This article delves into the specifications, design improvements, and target audience for this intriguing new entrant in the wearable market.
A Nostalgic Reboot with Modern Upgrades
The Pebble Round 2 is not merely a reissue; it's a comprehensive upgrade over its 2015 predecessor. The most significant improvement is the battery life, which has been extended from a mere two days to an impressive two weeks on a single charge. This addresses one of the most common pain points of modern smartwatches and stays true to Pebble's original value proposition. The display has also seen a major overhaul, growing from a 1-inch screen with a prominent bezel to a larger 1.3-inch, 260 x 260 pixel color e-paper touchscreen that now covers the entire watch face. This shift to a touch interface, complemented by four physical buttons, modernizes the user experience while retaining tactile control.
Pebble Round 2 Key Specifications
- Display: 1.3-inch, 260 x 260 color e-paper touchscreen
- Battery Life: Up to two weeks
- Frame: Stainless steel (Black, Silver, Rose Gold)
- Band Sizes: Quick-release 14mm (Rose Gold), 20mm (Black), both 14mm & 20mm (Silver)
- Sensors: Accelerometer, Magnetometer, Dual Microphones
- Durability: 30m water resistance
- Dimensions: 8.1mm thin
- Connectivity: iOS & Android
- Pre-order Price: USD 199
- Shipping: Expected May 2026
Design, Specifications, and Availability
Encased in a stainless steel frame, the Pebble Round 2 will be available in three finishes: matte black, brushed silver, and polished rose gold. It maintains a slim profile at just 8.1mm thin. The watch features 30-meter water resistance, a linear resonance actuator for haptic feedback, and sensors including an accelerometer and magnetometer for basic activity tracking. A notable addition is the dual-microphone array, which enables speech input for interacting with AI agents and replying to messages—a feature currently available on Android, with iOS support promised for the EU "soon." The watch is available for pre-order now at a price of USD 199, with shipping expected to begin in May 2026.
Comparison: Pebble Time Round (2015) vs. Pebble Round 2 (2026)
| Feature | Pebble Time Round (Original) | Pebble Round 2 (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1-inch, bezeled | 1.3-inch, full-face touchscreen |
| Battery Life | ~2 days | Up to 2 weeks |
| Microphone | No | Dual microphones for voice input |
| Primary Appeal | First round Pebble, thin design | Modernized specs, long battery, Pebble OS revival |
Core Philosophy and Target Audience
Core Devices has been explicit about the Pebble Round 2's positioning. In its announcement, the company stated, "You can do basic health and activity tracking (steps, sleep), but it’s not designed to be a fitness or sports watch." This clarity sets realistic expectations. The watch is aimed at users who prioritize long battery life, a always-on e-paper display, and discreet notifications over advanced health metrics like ECG or continuous blood oxygen monitoring. It appeals to Pebble nostalgists and those seeking a minimalist, distraction-light smartwatch that won't require nightly charging or pull focus with an overly bright OLED screen.
The Road to Revival and Future Outlook
The launch of the Pebble Round 2 marks the culmination of Eric Migicovsky's efforts to resurrect the Pebble brand after its acquisition by Google. This was made possible by Google's decision to open-source the Pebble OS, which Core Devices now utilizes. Following the earlier releases of the Pebble 2 Duo and Pebble Time 2, the Round 2 completes the initial lineup, re-establishing Pebble's identity in the market. The success of this revival will depend on its ability to carve out a niche among users fatigued by the constant upgrade cycle and feature bloat of mainstream wearables, offering a compelling alternative focused on core functionality and endurance.