In July 2025, the beloved Pebble brand officially returned under founder Eric Migicovsky. The Pebble 2 Duo marks the reboot of the simple, hackable e‑paper smartwatch experience that defined Pebble’s 2012-2016 era. Originally known as “Core 2 Duo” under Core Devices, the watch was renamed following reacquisition of the Pebble trademark in late July 2025.
The Pebble 2 Duo launches at USD 149, with pre-orders open now and initial shipping scheduled by late August 2025 pending final waterproof testing.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.26‑inch monochrome black‑and‑white e‑paper screen (144 × 168 px) |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 days of normal usage |
| Body & Strap | Polycarbonate body; standard 22 mm strap width |
| Sensors | 6‑axis IMU, barometer, compass |
| Interface | Four branded buttons only (no touchscreen) |
| Water Resistance | IPX8 waterproof rating |
| Audio | Microphone, speaker, vibration motor (linear resonance actuator) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth range up to ~140 m in open air |
| Operating System | PebbleOS (open source), supports over 10,000 watch faces & apps |
| Price & Launch | USD 149, available to preorder; ships by August 2025 (US orders incur $10 tariff) |
Heritage of PebbleOS & Open Source Roots
In January 2025, Google open‑sourced the PebbleOS codebase, enabling independent development and revival of the platform. Migicovsky’s team built the Pebble 2 Duo atop that code, preserving compatibility with thousands of existing apps and watch faces maintained by the Rebble community
This feature set essentially replicates the original Pebble 2 design, but with key enhancements including improved buttons, audio support, and a substantial battery life boost from ~7 to ~30 days.
Design & Hardware Improvements
The Pebble 2 Duo’s polycarbonate shell comes in black or white and retains the simple, rectangular aesthetic of the classic Pebble. The physical buttons have been significantly improved-Migicovsky notes they last 30% longer in testing and avoid the degradation issues of the original Pebble hardware.
In response to community feedback, this version adds a microphone, speaker, stronger vibration feedback, and new sensors (compass and barometer), none of which were included in the original Pebble 2.
Software & Usability
Running the entirely open‑sourced PebbleOS, the device delivers a lightweight yet customizable UI. All classic OS features like timeline notifications, media control, and health tracking are preserved. More than 10,000 apps and watch faces from the Rebble Foundation are supported from day one.
There also are plans to expand platform integration with mobile chat‑apps and AI‑assistant features, although some of these will roll out after launch.
Availability & Pricing
Pebble 2 Duo is priced at $149 USD, with pre‑orders available on the rePebble website. First shipments are slated for late August 2025, delayed slightly from the original July target due to waterproofing refinements.
Shipped globally from Hong Kong, U.S. orders currently face a $10 tariff, while international orders are not impacted by that fee. Pre‑orders are fully refundable until the product ships.
What Sets It Apart
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A purist’s smartwatch: always‑on e‑paper display, physical controls, low‑power operation.
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Ideal for tech enthusiasts and developers with open‑source platform roots.
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Retro nostalgic gem for former Pebble users now backed by modern community support.
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Realistic simplicity compared to feature‑rich smartwatches like the Apple Watch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Pebble 2 Duo a new product or just a rebrand?
A. It is essentially the refined successor to Pebble 2, with improved hardware (better buttons, audio, sensors) and significantly extended battery life-but under the revived Pebble name rather than Core Devices.
2. When will shipping start?
A. Shipping is expected to begin by late August 2025, slightly later than initially projected due to additional waterproofing certification of the speaker and microphone housing
3. Will Pebble 2 Duo work with older Pebble watches or apps?
A. Yes. It runs the same PebbleOS foundation, so nearly all existing apps and watch faces from the Rebble archive are compatible.
4. How well does it work with iPhones?
A. Android support is primary. Due to Apple’s restrictions on third‑party wearable peripherals, some iPhone functionality may be limited at launch-Migicovsky cautions iPhone users accordingly.
5. What if I change my mind after pre‑ordering?
A. Pre‑orders are fully refundable up until the point your watch ships (minus transaction fees if after March 21, 2025) .
Final Thoughts
The Pebble 2 Duo revives what made original Pebble watches beloved: simplicity, long battery, community support, and developer freedom. At $149 and shipping in August 2025, it positions itself as the go‑to alternative for smartwatch users who want control and longevity over excessive features. With open‑source firmware, robust physical hardware, and broad third‑party support, it may just be the most faithful Pebble successor yet.
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