What happened and why it matters
According to The Information, Meta has resumed work on a smartwatch codenamed “Malibu 2” with an estimated release in 2026. The device is said to include integration with Meta AI and capabilities for tracking health metrics. This is a return after a pause related to losses at Reality Labs and cost restructuring.
Project context
Meta has previously experimented with wearables: in 2021–2022 prototypes surfaced with cameras and a module based on an open version of Android. In 2022 development was put on hold due to cuts at Reality Labs, but now the focus appears to have shifted toward software capabilities — AI and health rather than experimental cameras.
“Meta has revived the internal project 'Malibu 2' and is focusing on combining AI and health tracking,”
— The Information
Why Meta is returning now
The technological logic is simple: combining a large AI model with a wearable device creates a new level of personalized services — from health advice to integrated interfaces for augmented reality. The accumulation of data from the watch feeds the Meta AI ecosystem and makes the user experience more cohesive compared with fragmented apps.
Additionally, the acquisition of the startup Manus (reported at around $2 billion) and further investments in AR/VR indicate that the hardware lineup is part of Meta’s broader strategy regarding platform and data control.
Regulatory framework and data security
At the same time, the EU has expressed concern about Meta’s practices in terms of competition and access to AI. Regulatory pressure could affect the device’s features, especially how Meta will process and store users’ medical and behavioral data.
“The EU warns of measures against practices that limit competition in the field of AI; this could affect Meta’s hardware initiatives,”
— press reports (The Information, regulatory sources)
What this means for Ukraine
First, the market for medical and fitness services via wearables could become a new channel for Ukrainian startups and data-processing experts: from localized algorithms to clinical applications adapted to domestic needs and for export.
Second, digital sovereignty becomes more important: if Meta collects large sets of medical data, questions arise about control, storage, and possible transfer of that data. Ukrainian regulators, hospitals, and businesses should anticipate these risks and develop requirements for interoperability and data protection.
Third, for defense and medical applications on the front line, security standards and independent communication channels are crucial; commercial gadgets should not replace certified solutions for critical services.
Conclusion
Meta’s return to the smartwatch segment is a move that should be read not only as business news but as a signal: large platforms aim to integrate AI and vital user data. For Ukraine, this means both new opportunities for innovation and the need for clear rules on data protection and security standards. The key question now is whether partners and regulators can turn declarations into concrete rules that will protect users and the development of the national industry.
