Core Devices has unveiled the Pebble Round 2, an upscale reboot of the 2015 Pebble Time Round. The $199 wearable marks a major expansion for the startup, which is based in Palo Alto, California, United States and founded by Eric Migicovsky in 2025 to resurrect the intentional technology philosophy of the original Pebble brand.
The Round 2 updates Pebble’s thinnest design with a slim aesthetic and simplified utility, delivering notifications and messages to both Android and iOS. This release solidifies the return of the pioneering smartwatch brand, which first rose to prominence between 2013 and 2016 before its 2025 revival.
Design and display improvements
The most significant upgrade is the reduction of the original’s infamously large bezels. By moving away from the old octagonal glass design, Pebble has integrated a 1.3-inch color e-paper touchscreen with double the pixel density of its predecessor (283 DPI). Despite being slightly thicker than the original at 8.1 mm, the watch maintains a sleek, low-profile look. It features a stainless steel frame and is available in three finishes—Matte Black, Silver, and Polished Rose Gold—supporting various band sizes.
Functionality and battery life
Pebble continues its strategy of intentional limitation to keep costs down and battery life high. The Round 2 eschews a heart rate monitor and advanced fitness sensors, focusing instead on:
- Basic Tracking: Steps and sleep monitoring.
- Physical Buttons: Side buttons allow for tactile navigation and “eyes-free” control, such as silencing calls or pausing music.
- Longevity: The device boasts an impressive 10 to 14-day battery life.
- Connectivity: Dual microphones enable speech-to-text for messaging. While currently an Android-only feature due to platform restrictions, iOS support is expected soon in the EU.
Software and AI integration
The watch runs the open-source Pebble OS and supports thousands of existing apps and watch faces, though developers must update them for the round screen. Notably, the watch integrates with AI assistants like Claude. Founder Eric Migicovsky has also indicated that the audio recording and transcription features found in Pebble’s new AI ring will eventually be ported to their smartwatches.
Availability and comparison
The Pebble Round 2 is available for preorder starting January 2, 2026 with shipping expected in May 2026. In a gesture of flexibility, Pebble is allowing customers who previously ordered the Pebble Time 2 to switch their orders to the new Round 2 if they prefer the circular design.
Pebble Round 2 vs. The Original (2015)
The Round 2 is a “spiritual successor” that keeps the charm of the original while fixing its two most criticized flaws: the bezel and the battery.
| Feature | Original Pebble Time Round (2015) | New Pebble Round 2 (2026) |
| Display Size | 1.0 inch | 1.3 inches (Edge-to-edge) |
| Resolution | 180 x 180 (255 DPI) | 260 x 260 (283 DPI) |
| Battery Life | ~2 Days | 10–14 Days |
| Thickness | 7.5 mm | 8.1 mm (Slightly thicker) |
| Interaction | Buttons only | Buttons + Touchscreen |
Pebble Round 2 vs. Pebble Time 2 (The Square Alternative)
While both watches are part of Pebble’s 2025–2026 comeback, they serve different priorities. The Time 2 is the “powerhouse” of the lineup, while the Round 2 is the “style” choice.
- Battery Life: The Time 2 is the clear winner here, boasting up to 30 days of battery life compared to the Round 2’s 14 days.
- Sensors & Audio: The Time 2 includes a heart rate monitor and a speaker, both of which were omitted from the Round 2 to maintain its ultra-slim profile.
- Screen Real Estate: The Time 2 features a larger 1.5-inch rectangular display, offering 53% more surface area than previous models for reading long emails or texts.
- Price: The Round 2 is slightly more affordable at $199, while the Time 2 retails for $225.
Comparison summary
| Pebble Round 2 | Pebble Time 2 | |
| Shape | Circular (Stylish/Slim) | Rectangular (Functional/Classic) |
| Price | $199 | $225 |
| Battery | 10–14 Days | 30 Days |
| Heart Rate | No | Yes |
| Speaker | No (Mics only) | Yes |
| Display | 1.3″ Color E-paper | 1.5″ Color E-paper |
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