The Pebble smartwatch has officially started shipping, marking a major milestone for one of the most successful crowdfunding campaigns in tech history. Following a record-breaking Kickstarter run that generated overwhelming demand, the journey from prototype to production hasn’t been without setbacks. Manufacturing challenges and logistics hurdles delayed rollout, but after confirming a firm shipping date at CES earlier this month, Pebble Technology is now fulfilling orders for its much-anticipated wearable device.
However, the initial launch comes with a few important caveats for early adopters and smartwatch enthusiasts.
In a recent update on Pebble Technology’s blog, Pebble Technology acknowledged several lingering production issues. Although the company plans to scale output to 2,400 units per day, current manufacturing capacity is limited to just 800 to 1,000 smartwatches daily. This gradual ramp-up means backers will receive their devices in staggered waves rather than all at once.
For those curious about color options, the first wave of shipments will only include the classic black model. Other variations—including cherry red, arctic white, and the crowd-selected orange “voter’s choice”—will follow in subsequent production runs as the supply chain stabilizes.
Compatibility and software rollout are also key components of the Pebble ecosystem. While the Android app will go live on January 24, iOS users will need to wait until the Pebble app clears approval in Apple’s App Store. The companion app enhances functionality by enabling firmware updates, custom digital watch faces, and expanded smartwatch features designed to integrate with your smartphone and improve daily productivity.
Only about 500 Pebbles are expected to ship today, a small fraction compared to the nearly 69,000 Kickstarter backers eager to get their hands on the device. Still, this limited release marks a pivotal step in testing consumer appetite for smartwatches and wearable technology at large.