Pebble unveils refreshed round smartwatch with improved battery and design

Pebble is taking another significant step in its comeback to the wearable market with the announcement of the Pebble Round 2, a refreshed version of its earlier circular smartwatch. The company re-entered the smartwatch space nearly a year ago and is now building on that momentum with a device that looks modern while still reflecting Pebble’s familiar minimalist approach. The new watch is positioned as the successor to the Pebble Time Round, but it is not merely a name change. It brings a range of changes intended to meet today’s smartwatch expectations while preserving Pebble’s trademark simplicity and long-lasting battery life.

The Pebble Round 2 replaces the older model’s ageing technology with a contemporary build and upgraded display. It is equipped with a 1.3-inch colour e-paper screen, providing a bright, readable interface while maintaining the battery efficiency that Pebble has always prioritised. The company has removed the thick borders seen on its earlier circular watch and introduced a near-bezel-less design, offering a cleaner, more modern aesthetic. Pebble appears to be aiming at users who want a smartwatch that feels like a traditional watch, rather than a miniature smartphone on the wrist, and this design direction reflects that intention.

Design, features, and everyday usability

Beyond the new display, Pebble has also updated the materials and overall finish of the Pebble Round 2. The smartwatch features a stainless steel frame, giving it a more premium look and improved durability compared to its earlier lightweight design. It will be available in three finishes, namely matte black, brushed silver, and polished rose gold, giving users several styling choices depending on personal preference. This focus on design indicates Pebble’s awareness that wearables today serve not only as tech devices but also as fashion accessories.

The smartwatch runs on PebbleOS and works with both Android and iOS smartphones, maintaining the brand’s long history of cross-platform compatibility. According to Pebble, the watch supports essential health and lifestyle features, including step tracking and sleep monitoring, which are now expected as standard in modern wearables. It also offers water resistance up to 30 metres, allowing users to wear it in the rain, during hand washing, or while swimming in shallow water. This level of durability makes the device suitable for daily use rather than requiring constant care.

Battery life and availability details

One of the most notable upgrades with the Pebble Round 2 is its battery performance. Pebble claims the new model can last up to two weeks on a single charge, a dramatic improvement from the original round smartwatch, which managed only around two days. This extended battery life is expected to be a key selling point, especially as many competing smartwatches still require frequent charging. Pebble’s focus on power efficiency aligns with its reputation from its early smartwatch era, where long battery endurance was one of its biggest strengths.

Pebble has opened pre-orders for the Pebble Round 2 through rePebble.com, with a launch price of US$199. The company expects shipments to begin sometime in May, giving interested buyers a clear timeframe for availability. With this release, Pebble is signalling its intent to remain relevant in a crowded smartwatch market dominated by major tech brands. The Pebble Round 2 blends nostalgia with modern expectations, aiming to appeal to longtime Pebble supporters as well as new users who want a smartwatch that prioritises comfort, simplicity, and long battery life.