Pebble reborn: A Second Chance for a Beloved Smartwatch

The Pebble smartwatch, known for its focus on essential features, exceptional battery life, and a user-kind design that appealed to a broad demographic, captured the hearts of many tech enthusiasts in the early 2010s. [[3]] Its e-paper display, a stark contrast to the power-hungry screens of its competitors, allowed for days, even weeks, of use on a single charge, a major selling point for busy Americans. After its initial launch on Kickstarter,the company sold over 2 million watches,demonstrating a clear demand for a no-frills,reliable smartwatch experience,before its intellectual property was acquired by Fitbit in 2016. [[3]] Fitbit was afterward acquired by Google, and earlier this year, Google made the decision to open-source PebbleOS, paving the way for the brand’s resurgence and giving hope to Pebble’s loyal fanbase.

Now, in 2025, the spirit of Pebble lives on with the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2, running on a revitalized PebbleOS based on the original source code. these new smartwatches aim to recapture the essence of what made Pebble so popular: platform agnosticism, ease of use, and extraordinary battery life. [[3]] The Core 2 Duo, positioned as an entry-level option, focuses on core functionalities, while the Core Time 2 adds a heart rate monitor for fitness tracking, catering to the growing health-conscious market in the U.S.

Apple’s Walled Garden: A Thorn in Pebble’s Side

While the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 are designed to work seamlessly with both iPhones and Android devices,potential iPhone users should be aware of critically important limitations imposed by Apple’s ecosystem. These restrictions, often referred to as Apple’s “walled garden,” can significantly impact the user experience, particularly when compared to the more open Android platform. the original Pebble creator,Eric Migicovsky, has been vocal about these restrictions, warning customers that the new devices will not offer the same level of functionality on iOS as they do on Android.

Migicovsky stated that designing for iPhones was tough even during the original Pebble’s progress, and in the years since, “things have actually gotten worse.” He acknowledges that his company will strive to create a functional iOS app, but emphasizes that replicating the Apple Watch experience for third-party smartwatches is “impossible” due to Apple’s policies. This sentiment echoes the concerns of many developers who feel that Apple’s control over its ecosystem stifles innovation and limits consumer choice.

The limitations for iPhone users include:

• Inability to send text messages or iMessages directly from the watch, a feature many Americans rely on for quick dialog.
• No option to reply to notifications or take actions like marking tasks as complete, hindering productivity and convenience.
• Limited inter-app communication, hindering Pebble’s ability to integrate with other iOS apps and services.
• The watch’s inability to access the app or the internet when the iOS app is closed, restricting functionality and real-time updates.
• The watch’s inability to detect when the user is actively using their phone, leading to redundant notifications and a frustrating user experience.
• Lack of a straightforward mechanism for developers to create and distribute watch faces and apps through the Pebble iOS app, limiting customization and community development.

Migicovsky expressed frustration with the App Store review process, describing it as a “gigantic pain” where “a random app reviewer” could “make up some BS excuse” to reject updates. He argues that Apple’s stringent review process and opaque policies create an uneven playing field for third-party developers, hindering their ability to compete with apple’s own products and services. This is a common complaint among smaller tech companies trying to break into the market.

Android vs. iOS: A Tale of Two Smartwatch Experiences

The disparity in functionality between android and iOS highlights the basic differences in the two platforms’ approaches to openness and interoperability. On Android, Pebble users can expect a more seamless and integrated experience, with access to a wider range of features and customization options. This is due to Android’s more open architecture, which allows third-party apps and devices to interact more freely with the operating system.

For example, Android users can directly reply to text messages from their Pebble smartwatch, control music playback, and receive notifications from a variety of apps without limitations. They can also customize their watch faces and install third-party apps through alternative app stores, providing a more personalized and flexible experience. This level of integration is simply not possible on iOS due to Apple’s restrictions.

This difference in functionality could be a major deciding factor for American consumers considering the Core 2 Duo or Core Time 2. while the Pebble’s simplicity and long battery life may be appealing, the limitations on iOS could push some users towards alternative smartwatches that offer a more complete experience within the Apple ecosystem.

A Call to Action: Complaining to Apple and Supporting Legislation

Recognizing the challenges posed by Apple’s restrictions, Migicovsky is urging consumers and developers to take action. His recommendations include directly complaining to apple about the limitations, supporting legislation that promotes interoperability, and working to improve the Pebble platform for all users. This multi-pronged approach reflects a growing frustration with Apple’s dominance in the tech industry and its impact on competition and innovation.

One potential avenue for change is through antitrust investigations and regulations. The European Union,for example,is already actively investigating Apple’s App Store practices and has the power to impose meaningful fines and require changes to its policies. Similar efforts are underway in the United States, with lawmakers considering legislation that would promote greater competition in the app store market.The “Open App Markets Act,” for instance, aims to prevent dominant app store operators from favoring their own apps and services over those of competitors.

Grassroots campaigns directed at lawmakers, particularly in the U.S. and the EU, could push for antitrust investigations and regulations that mandate greater openness. The success of these efforts will depend on the ability of consumers, developers, and advocacy groups to raise awareness about the issue and pressure policymakers to take action.

pebble core 2 Duo and Core Time 2: Pricing and Availability

The Core 2 Duo is priced starting at $149, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers looking for a basic smartwatch with long battery life. The Core Time 2, with its added heart rate monitor and more advanced features, starts at $225, positioning it as a competitive alternative in the health and fitness market. These prices are significantly lower than those of many competing smartwatches, including the Apple Watch, making the Pebble a potentially compelling choice for those seeking affordability and simplicity.

The availability of the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 will be crucial to their success. A wide distribution network, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores, will be essential to reach a broad audience. The company will also need to invest in marketing and promotion to raise awareness about the new smartwatches and their unique features.

here’s a quick comparison of the two models:

The Future of Smartwatches: Open Ecosystems vs. walled Gardens

The Pebble’s comeback and the challenges it faces on iOS raise important questions about the future of the smartwatch market. Will the industry continue to be dominated by closed ecosystems like apple’s, or will more open platforms emerge that allow for greater interoperability and consumer choice? the answer to this question will have a significant impact on innovation, competition, and the overall user experience.

A more open smartwatch ecosystem would benefit consumers by providing them with more choices and greater flexibility. It would also encourage innovation by allowing smaller companies and self-reliant developers to compete on a more level playing field. However, achieving this vision will require significant changes to the policies and practices of dominant tech companies like Apple.

The success of the Pebble revival could serve as a catalyst for change, demonstrating the demand for a simpler, more open smartwatch experience.By challenging Apple’s restrictions and advocating for greater interoperability, the Pebble could help to shape the future of the smartwatch market and create a more competitive and consumer-friendly landscape.

Pebble’s Comeback: Will Apple’s Grip crush the Smartwatch Renaissance? an Expert Weighs In

To gain further insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Pebble, we spoke with Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading tech analyst specializing in wearable technology and consumer electronics. Dr. sharma offered a nuanced perspective on the potential impact of Apple’s restrictions and the strategies Pebble can employ to overcome them.

According to Dr. Sharma, “Without intervention, these restrictions could stifle innovation and reduce consumer choice. Consumers may feel forced to choose between the Apple Watch or another proprietary device from a major tech company, limiting the diversity of the ecosystem and potentially raising prices. This is why calls for changes to Apple’s App Store are vital.”

Dr. Sharma also commented on Migicovsky’s call to action, stating, “It’s an uphill battle, but it is vital that it is even fought, because fighting for a fairer ecosystem could create positive change. Grassroots campaigns directed at lawmakers, particularly in the U.S. and the EU,could push for antitrust investigations and regulations that mandate greater openness. The European Union is already actively investigating Apple’s App Store practices and will have the ability.”

When asked what a successful Pebble revival would look like, Dr. Sharma emphasized the importance of focusing on the core values that made the original Pebble so popular. “A successful Pebble revival will be one that offers a compelling set of features, long battery life, and a user experience that is highly valued by consumers, especially those who are eager to escape locked environments. While some compromise functionality when paired with an iPhone, the company needs to remain dedicated to improving the platform for the end user while embracing open-source growth.”