Eric Migicovsky, the original founder of Pebble, is reviving the beloved e-paper smartwatch.
Announced on the “rePebble” launch page, Migicovsky revealed that he is leading a small team to develop a modern version of the iconic Pebble watch, staying true to its roots while adding new features.
A Nostalgic Revival
Pebble, launched in 2012, was a pioneer in the smartwatch market. Known for its always-on e-paper display, long battery life, physical buttons, and user-friendly design, Pebble sold over 2 million units and set a high standard for crowdfunded hardware projects. However, after stiff competition from the Apple Watch and financial challenges, Pebble was acquired by Fitbit in 2016, marking the end of its watch production.
Now, Migicovsky aims to breathe new life into the brand. The new watch will run an open-source version of PebbleOS, which has been made possible by Google releasing most of Pebble’s operating system code. While some proprietary elements like Bluetooth stack code are missing, Migicovsky’s team is working to fill these gaps and modernize the software.
Keeping It Simple and Sustainable
Reflecting on lessons learned from Pebble’s earlier journey, Migicovsky is taking a more focused and sustainable approach this time. He emphasizes creating a small, efficient company without relying on large-scale investments or building a massive team.
“This time around, we’re keeping things simple,” Migicovsky wrote on his blog. “The focus is on sustainability and continuing Pebble’s legacy long into the future.”
The new Pebble watch is expected to retain the brand’s signature features, such as a simple, beautiful interface, hackability, and useful essentials, while incorporating “fun new stuff” to appeal to modern users.
Challenges With Apple Compatibility
Despite the excitement, Migicovsky acknowledged that the new Pebble watches might face limitations with Apple’s iPhones. In response to a question about compatibility, Migicovsky admitted that functionality with iOS devices would be even more restricted than before.
This is partly due to Apple’s ongoing practices, which were the subject of a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit in 2024. The lawsuit accused Apple of limiting third-party smartwatch capabilities to encourage users to stick with the Apple Watch and, by extension, iPhones.
While the core features of the new Pebble watches will still work with iOS, advanced functionalities like replying to notifications with voice dictation will likely remain exclusive to Android devices.
No Timeline Yet
Migicovsky’s plans are still in the early stages, with no clear timeline for the release of the new Pebble smartwatch. His most recent project, Beeper, a multi-protocol chat app, was sold to Automattic in 2024, freeing him up to focus on this passion project.
A Community-Driven Future
The rePebble effort promises to rekindle the charm of a smartwatch loved for its simplicity and user-centric design. By combining modern technology with Pebble’s nostalgic appeal, Migicovsky hopes to once again create a product that resonates with fans and thrives in a market still dominated by giants like Apple.
Whether this vision will succeed remains to be seen, but for Pebble enthusiasts, the prospect of a revival is an exciting step forward.
The Information is Collected from Deadline and USA Today.
