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Thanks to Google, Pebble smartwatch will make a comeback in an open-sourced way

As Google makes PebbleOS open source, the OG e-ink display smartwatches might return.

Pebble smartwatch with e-ink display. (Image credit: Eric Migicovsky)

It’s been over a decade since we saw a new Pebble smartwatch. Eric Migicovsky, Pebble’s former founder, said Monday Google has released the source code of PebbleOS and changed its status from proprietary to open source, enabling enthusiasts to build and develop new Pebble smartwatches.

Migicovsky said he had initiated talks with Google to open-source PebbleOS. Migicovsky confirmed on his blog that the brand will make a comeback with a new smartwatch “with the same specs and features as Pebble, though with some fun new additions as well.”

I’m thrilled to share that Google has open-sourced the Pebble smartwatch firmware today! https://t.co/LGbPZ1K4YM

— Liam McLoughlin (@Hexxeh) January 27, 2025

According to Migicovsky, a small team of engineers is working on a new Pebble smartwatch, although it might go by another name, as Google still owns the rights to the name Pebble. The upcoming Pebble smartwatch is expected to have the same specs as the last model, and users can now sign up for updates via repebble.com regarding the smartwatch’s development.

As of now, there is no exact timeline for the launch or pricing of the upcoming Pebble smartwatch, but it is expected to be much cheaper than smartwatches from brands like Apple and Samsung.

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Although Pebble stopped selling smartwatches back in 2016, many users, including Migicovsky, still wear a Pebble smartwatch. “I’ve tried every single smart watch out there, but none do it for me. No one makes a smartwatch with the core set of features I want,” said Migicovsky.

He was talking about the watches’ e-ink display, extended battery life, a simple and beautiful user experience, buttons, and the ability to hack or customise its software. He also said manufacturing a smartwatch like Pebble is much easier these days, thanks to cheaper, more capable, and energy-efficient Bluetooth chips.

Pebble, an accessory startup that began its journey on Kickstarter, was acquired by Fitbit and then by Google.