Pebble’s Triumphant Return: Hands-On with Pebble Time 2, Round 2, and the Innovative Index Ring
The resurgence of Pebble smartwatches has been a beacon of excitement for tech enthusiasts, especially following Google’s decision to release the PebbleOS source code. This move paved the way for the Pebble 2 Duo, a commendable successor to the original Pebble concept from a decade ago.
At CES 2026, the spotlight was on the Pebble Time 2 and the newly introduced Pebble Round 2. The Pebble Time 2 boasts a sleek metal chassis complemented by subtle color accents in blue, red, or classic black. Its compact size aligns with contemporary preferences, and the tactile metal buttons, along with the refined glass display, enhance its premium feel.
The Pebble Round 2 is a testament to Pebble’s forward-thinking design philosophy. Building upon the original Pebble Time Round, which was lauded for its ultra-thin metal body, the Round 2 addresses previous shortcomings. It now features improved battery life and an edge-to-edge display, eliminating the once-prominent bezel. The result is a futuristic design that stands out even among today’s smartwatches.
However, the most intriguing addition to Pebble’s lineup is the Pebble Index ring. This smart ring is engineered with a singular focus: capturing thoughts on the go. A simple press of its tactile button activates a microphone, transmitting data directly to the Pebble app on your smartphone. This seamless process allows users to record ideas without the need to unlock their phones or navigate through apps. Notably, the Index ring is expected to integrate with Google Keep, enhancing its utility for daily wear.
In terms of design, the Index ring is only slightly thicker than a standard tungsten carbide wedding band, ensuring comfort for extended wear. While sizing options are currently limited to size 13, which may not accommodate all users, the available color variants—black-on-black, gold with blue accents, and silver with white accents—offer choices to suit different tastes.
The entire Pebble lineup, including the Time 2, Round 2, and Index ring, is available for pre-order at repebble.com, with shipments scheduled over the coming months.
