Meta Smartwatch Canceled? Status & What Happened

Yes, Meta’s standalone smartwatch was canceled before it ever reached production. The project, which had been in development under the codename “Milton,” was shelved in 2022, and Meta has since pivoted its wearable efforts entirely toward AI-powered smart glasses. Here’s what we know about why it was canceled and what Meta is doing instead.

Background: The Milton Project

Reports of Meta building a smartwatch first surfaced in early 2021. The device was said to feature a detachable camera module, allowing the watch face to be removed and used as a standalone camera. This design was intended to complement Meta’s social platforms, letting users capture and share photos and videos without pulling out a phone. The watch was also expected to include health tracking, messaging, and deep integration with Meta’s apps like WhatsApp and Instagram.

By late 2021, development was reportedly underway with a target launch in 2023. However, by mid-2022, multiple credible outlets reported that Meta had halted the project. The cancellation was attributed to a combination of hardware challenges, cost concerns, and a strategic shift toward augmented reality (AR) and AI.

Why Was It Canceled?

Several factors contributed to the decision:

• Hardware complexity: The detachable camera module proved difficult to engineer at the size and weight required for a comfortable wrist device.
• Battery life: A camera, display, and sensors on a watch demanded more power than current battery tech could reasonably provide.
• Market competition: Apple and Samsung dominate the smartwatch market, making it hard for a new entrant to gain traction.
• Strategic pivot: Meta’s leadership, especially CEO Mark Zuckerberg, became increasingly focused on AI and the metaverse, with smart glasses seen as a more promising wearable form factor.

The cancellation was not officially announced by Meta; it was first reported by The Verge in June 2022, citing internal sources. Meta never publicly confirmed the project’s existence, so there was no formal shutdown statement.

What Meta Is Doing Instead: Ray-Ban Smart Glasses

Meta’s wearable strategy now centers on its partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban. The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses (released in 2023) are a second-generation product that includes:

• 12MP camera for photos and 1080p video
• Open-ear speakers and a 5-microphone array for calls and voice assistant
• Live streaming to Instagram and Facebook
• AI-powered features like object recognition and real-time translation (in select regions)

These glasses have been far more successful than the first-generation Ray-Ban Stories, with Meta reporting strong sales and growing usage. The company has also teased future AR glasses, code-named “Orion,” which are expected to project holograms into the wearer’s field of view.

Could a Meta Watch Still Happen?

While the Milton project is dead, Meta hasn’t ruled out a watch entirely. In 2023, Meta filed patents for a wrist-worn device with a camera and a curved display. However, patents are often speculative and don’t guarantee a product. Given Meta’s current focus on glasses and AI, a watch seems unlikely in the near term. If Meta does release a watch, it would likely be designed to complement its glasses rather than replace them.

How to Choose a Smartwatch Instead

Since Meta’s watch isn’t available, here’s what to consider if you’re shopping for one:

1. Compatibility: Apple Watches work best with iPhones; Samsung Galaxy Watches and Wear OS devices work best with Android.
2. Health features: Look for heart-rate monitoring, GPS, sleep tracking, and ECG if you need them.
3. Battery life: Some watches last a day, others up to two weeks. Decide what fits your routine.
4. App ecosystem: Consider which apps you need (fitness, messaging, payments).
5. Price: Budget options from brands like Amazfit and Garmin offer solid features for less.

If you were interested in a Meta watch specifically for its camera, the Ray-Ban glasses are the closest alternative. If you wanted it for social media integration, any watch with notification support will cover that.

Common Misconceptions

One misconception is that Meta canceled the watch because of poor sales. That’s false—the product never launched. Another is that the watch was replaced by the Meta Quest VR headsets. While both are part of Meta’s hardware push, the Quest line existed before and after the watch project; the glasses are the direct replacement.

Some also believe the watch was canceled due to privacy concerns over the camera. While privacy was a talking point, there’s no evidence it was the deciding factor. The engineering and strategic issues were more likely the cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Meta ever officially announce a smartwatch?

No. Meta never officially confirmed the Milton project. The existence of the watch was first reported by The Verge in early 2021, and the cancellation was reported in June 2022. Meta has not commented on either report.

Is there a Meta smartwatch for sale now?

No. Meta does not sell any smartwatch. Its current wearable lineup includes the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and the Meta Quest VR headsets.

Will Meta release a smartwatch in the future?

It’s possible, but not certain. Meta has filed patents for wrist-worn devices, but patents don’t guarantee a product. The company’s current focus is on AI glasses and AR, so a watch is not a priority.

What was the Meta smartwatch supposed to do?

According to reports, it was intended to have a detachable camera, health tracking, and deep integration with Meta’s apps. It was designed to let users capture and share content directly from their wrist.

Why did Meta cancel the smartwatch?

Reports suggest a combination of hardware challenges, battery limitations, market competition, and a strategic pivot toward AI and smart glasses. The detachable camera was particularly difficult to engineer.

What is the best alternative to a Meta smartwatch?

If you want a camera on your face, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses are the direct alternative. If you want a traditional smartwatch, consider an Apple Watch (for iPhone users), a Samsung Galaxy Watch (for Android users), or a Garmin for fitness-focused needs.

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