According to reports, Mark Zuckerberg’s company, Meta, plans to reenter the smartwatch market by reviving a project it shelved in 2022. The tech giant is reportedly developing its first smartwatch, which it expects to release in September 2025. Sources suggest the device will feature unique elements, such as integrated cameras and Meta AI-powered tools, showing that the company views this launch as more than just another wearable release.
The timing of this possible launch appears deliberate. It aligns with the company’s annual Meta Connect event, which begins in the U.S. on September 17. Reports indicate that Chinese company Huaqin Technology will handle hardware production, signaling Meta’s serious commitment to pushing the device toward mass production.
This revived project marks Meta’s second attempt to enter the smartwatch industry. The original project, code-named Milan, generated early excitement because of its innovative features. The first design included a tactile navigation button, a selfie camera, and a curved-edge display. Early leaks suggested the watch would support fitness tracking, messaging, and health monitoring. Notably, sources claimed the device would run on a proprietary Android-based operating system instead of Google’s Wear OS, allowing Meta to integrate its apps more seamlessly.
The Milan project’s plan included a dual-camera setup – one camera placed on the front for video calls and another on the back of the main case for environmental interaction and augmented reality functions. The device gained more attention in 2023 when leaked renders offered the first glimpse of its design.
Renewed interest in the Meta smartwatch follows recent rumors that the company is also developing a different wrist-worn device. Unlike a traditional smartwatch, this one functions as a computer control wristband. According to TechCrunch, the band uses surface electromyography (sEMG) technology to read electrical signals generated by muscle movements. This allows users to perform gesture-based commands, such as moving a pointer or activating apps, without touching a screen.
These upcoming innovations align with Meta’s broader goal of creating highly interactive hardware that integrates with its growing product ecosystem, which includes Quest VR headsets and Ray-Ban smart glasses. The company’s long-term vision appears to involve combining wearable technology with AI and AR-driven experiences, positioning its products as gateways to the era of spatial computing.
The path to launch, however, has not been without challenges. The second camera was a major obstacle during the initial attempt, as its innovative design created technical problems that disrupted the device’s intended interactive functions. These setbacks ultimately contributed to the project’s earlier cancellation. Meta’s decision to revive the smartwatch suggests the company has resolved the technical issues that plagued the Milan prototype.
It remains unclear whether Meta will showcase a fully functional prototype at the September Meta Connect event, but industry analysts are watching closely. If the Meta smartwatch launches as planned, it could mark a significant step forward in the company’s hardware strategy. Competing in a market dominated by Apple and Samsung will be difficult, but Meta’s focus on blending cameras, AI, and AR may carve out a niche. By positioning the device as more than just a fitness tracker or communication tool, Meta aims to make it an integral part of its broader wearable ecosystem.
If the 2025 Meta smartwatch launch succeeds, it could become more than just another product release. It may set the stage for a new era of wearable technology, representing the company’s boldest attempt yet to transform how people interact with both digital and physical environments.
