Meta Revives Facebook Watch Smartwatch for 2026 Release

The social media giant's new wearable device raises privacy concerns with plans to monetize user health data.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has reportedly revived its abandoned plans to release a Facebook-branded smartwatch in 2026. The watch, which was originally planned for a 2021 launch but was shelved, is expected to compete with the Apple Watch by offering a lower price point. However, privacy advocates are concerned that Meta will use the device to collect and monetize sensitive health data from users.

Why it matters

The Facebook Watch raises significant privacy concerns, as Meta has a history of mishandling user data and prioritizing profits over protecting personal information. The device's ability to track health metrics like blood pressure, sleep habits, and medication use could give the company unprecedented access to intimate details about individuals' lives, which it may then exploit for targeted advertising and other commercial purposes.

The details

According to reports, the Facebook Watch will feature many of the same health tracking capabilities as the Apple Watch, allowing it to monitor users' activity, sleep patterns, and other biometric data. Meta plans to price the device significantly lower than the Apple Watch in an effort to attract a wider customer base, particularly those who may not be able to afford Apple's premium wearable. However, the trade-off for the lower cost is likely to be increased data collection and monetization by Meta.

  • In 2021, Facebook had initially planned to release a smartwatch that resembled the Apple Watch.
  • In 2021, Facebook changed its company name to Meta in an attempt to distance itself from its privacy scandals.
  • In 2021, Apple launched its App Tracking Transparency feature, which limited Meta's ability to collect user data for targeted advertising, costing the company an estimated $10 billion in revenue.

The players

Meta

The parent company of Facebook, which is planning to release a Facebook-branded smartwatch in 2026.

Mark Zuckerberg

The CEO of Meta, who has previously stated that the company aims to make products for "people who can't afford to pay" and instead don't value their private information.

Apple

The tech giant that produces the Apple Watch, which the Facebook Watch will compete with in the smartwatch market.

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What’s next

As the Facebook Watch nears its 2026 release, privacy advocates and consumer groups are expected to closely scrutinize the device's data collection and privacy practices, potentially leading to increased regulatory scrutiny of Meta's activities.

The takeaway

The Facebook Watch represents the latest example of Meta's willingness to prioritize profits over user privacy, raising concerns that the company will exploit the device's health tracking capabilities to gather sensitive personal data and monetize it through targeted advertising and other commercial ventures.