- Pebble has officially announced the Pebble Round 2, marking the return of its round-faced smartwatch design.
- The new device serves as a successor to the 2015 Pebble Time Round, addressing previous criticisms regarding battery life and display bezels.
- Key improvements include a 1.3-inch color e-paper touchscreen that stretches to the edge of the case, eliminating the massive bezel of the original.
- The display has also been bonded to the glass crystal to reduce reflectivity and glare.
Quick Summary
The smartwatch pioneer Pebble has officially returned with a new device, the Pebble Round 2. This release follows the company's surprise revival in 2025 and focuses on correcting the flaws of its 2015 predecessor, the Pebble Time Round. The new model addresses previous issues with battery life, durability, and display design.
Company founder Eric Migicovsky is leading the effort to reintroduce the round-faced design while maintaining the utility that defined the brand. The device is currently available for pre-order and is scheduled to begin shipping in May for a price of $199.
Addressing the Flaws of the Past
The Pebble Round 2 is designed specifically to fix the shortcomings of the original Pebble Time Round, which debuted in 2015 to frustrated reviews. While the original was praised for its thinness and round display, it suffered from poor battery life and high cost. The new model seeks to resolve these issues while retaining the aesthetic that users loved.
Specific design improvements focus on the display and durability. The massive bezel that surrounded the original screen has been eliminated, allowing the 1.3-inch color e-paper touchscreen to stretch to the edge of the case. Additionally, the display is now bonded to the glass crystal, which significantly reduces reflectivity and glare—a major downside of the previous model.
Battery performance has seen a dramatic upgrade. Users can now expect more than two weeks of battery life on a single charge, providing the longevity associated with the brand. Despite these internal upgrades, the device retains its elegant thinness, measuring just 8.1mm.
Pebble’s failure was down to its attempt to broaden its appeal beyond the users who had so warmly adopted it in the first place.— Eric Migicovsky, Company Founder
Focus on Utility and Whimsy
Eric Migicovsky has explained that the company's strategy goes beyond simply fixing hardware issues. The focus is on serving the core user base rather than chasing mass-market trends. This philosophy stems from an analysis of the company's previous failure, which was attributed to an attempt to broaden its appeal too far beyond its original adopters.
Consequently, the Pebble Round 2 avoids bulky features found in competitors, such as a built-in optical heart-rate sensor. Instead, the device emphasizes utility and user empowerment. The company aims to reintroduce whimsy into hardware, allowing users to tinker with their devices and craft their own watch faces.
Functionality includes:
- Dual microphones for interacting with AI agents and dictating messages
- Step tracking for daily activity monitoring
- Sleep tracking capabilities
Pricing and Availability
The Pebble Round 2 is available for pre-order starting today. The device is priced at $199, a reduction from the original model's launch price of $249. Shipments are scheduled to begin in May.
The company has also implemented a flexible policy for customers who previously committed to the Pebble Time 2. Those who have already placed cash down on the Time 2 can switch their order to the Round 2 no questions asked, ensuring early supporters have access to the latest hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the Pebble Round 2?
The Pebble Round 2 is priced at $199 and is currently available for pre-order.
How long does the Pebble Round 2 battery last?
The battery lasts more than two weeks on a single charge.
Does the Pebble Round 2 have a heart-rate sensor?
No, the device does not include a built-in optical heart-rate sensor to focus on utility.
