After years of rumors, prototypes, and strategic pivots, Meta appears poised to unveil its first smartwatch at Connect 2024 this September. According to industry sources and recent supply chain reports, the device has cleared critical production hurdles—signaling a potential holiday season launch.
The project, internally codenamed "Milan," has navigated a turbulent development cycle. Early prototypes featured dual cameras for seamless wrist-based video calls—a bold vision later scrapped over privacy concerns and technical constraints. Meta’s current iteration reportedly focuses on core fitness tracking, health metrics, and deep integration with Ray-Ban smart glasses. Leaked specs suggest a sleek, square-faced design with advanced PPG sensors for blood pressure monitoring and an emphasis on lightweight wearability.
Supply chain momentum now points to an imminent debut. Taiwanese manufacturer Huaqin Technology, a key EMS partner for Xiaomi and Samsung wearables, has secured production contracts for the device. A recent Digitimes report confirms Meta’s accelerated component orders and cost negotiations with Huaqin, indicating scaled manufacturing readiness:
Meta Smartwatch Enters Mass Production as Huaqin Finalizes EMS Costs
Industry analysts note Meta’s timing aligns with growing regulatory pressure. With Apple Watch’s blood oxygen features restricted by patent disputes, Meta could position its health-tracking capabilities as a key differentiator. "They’re targeting the gap Apple left open," says Avi Greengart of Techsponential. "If Meta delivers FDA-cleared health tech at a competitive price, it disrupts the mid-tier market."
Meta’s wearable strategy extends beyond hardware. Insiders confirm the watch will debut with a new "Meta Health" platform, aggregating data from fitness trackers, smart glasses, and future AR devices. Privacy advocates remain wary—given Meta’s ad-driven business model—but the company promises on-device data processing and optional cloud syncing.
Mark Zuckerberg’s keynote at Connect (September 25-26) is now circled as the likely launchpad. If revealed, the watch would complete Meta’s "connected ecosystem" ahead of its AR glasses rollout in 2026—and finally answer Apple’s decade-long smartwatch dominance.
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