Eric Migicovsky, the visionary behind the original Pebble smartwatch, is bringing back the beloved wearable technology with two new smartwatches under his new company, Core Devices. Although they won’t bear the Pebble name, these devices are built in the spirit of the classic Pebble watches, running the newly open-sourced Pebble operating system and incorporating many of the beloved features of the originals.
The first smartwatch to launch will be the Core 2 Duo, priced at $149, with shipments expected in July 2025. This model is essentially a reboot of the Pebble 2, featuring the same black-and-white e-paper display and even utilizing leftover Pebble 2 and Pebble Time 2 frames. Thanks to advancements in technology, the Core 2 Duo boasts a 30-day battery life, a significant improvement over the original Pebble 2’s 7-day lifespan, mainly due to more efficient Bluetooth chips. It also includes a built-in speaker for AI assistant interactions, offering a more modern touch to its otherwise classic design. Migicovsky plans to produce around 10,000 units of the Core 2 Duo, expecting strong demand from Pebble enthusiasts and developers alike.
Later in the year, Core Devices will release the Core Time 2, a more advanced smartwatch priced at $225, scheduled for December 2025. The standout feature of the Core Time 2 is its touchscreen interface, allowing users to tap on watch face complications for quick access to apps and notifications. However, the watch remains true to its Pebble heritage, retaining physical buttons, extended battery life, and customization options. Similar to the Core 2 Duo, the Core Time 2 will also last 30 days on a single charge, with additional improvements in step- and sleep-tracking capabilities.
While development is progressing faster than expected, there are still hurdles to overcome. Connecting PebbleOS-powered watches to iPhones remains a challenge due to Apple’s restrictive policies, limiting the ability to reply to notifications. Fortunately, Android devices provide a more seamless experience. Additionally, concerns over tariffs could lead to price adjustments, with Migicovsky stating that increased costs may be passed on to customers.
Despite these challenges, Migicovsky remains enthusiastic about reviving the Pebble ecosystem. His goal isn’t to dominate the smartwatch market but to create a product that he and other longtime fans genuinely want. As the launch dates approach, Pebble lovers can look forward to a fresh take on their favorite smartwatch experience, blending nostalgia with modern enhancements.
With the upcoming Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2, Core Devices is set to breathe new life into the Pebble smartwatch legacy. Offering improved battery life, enhanced software, and familiar designs, these new watches are poised to attract both Pebble veterans and new users looking for a simple, efficient smartwatch experience. As the 2025 release dates draw closer, anticipation is building for the return of one of the most beloved smartwatch brands in history.
