A feud over data and control threatens Pebble's planned 2025 comeback.

The new Pebble smartwatches look great, but in order to become great, the involved teams must overcome some challenges.

I'll admit upfront that I don't fully understand this situation. Even after researching, many details rely on past claims. However, even with complex issues, staying focused and acting correctly isn't too difficult.

Before they were named Pebble 2 Duo and Pebble Time 2, they were called "Core." The firm retains that name, even though Eric Migicovsky—Pebble's founder and Core's current CEO—regained the "Pebble" name. He also convinced Google to open-source PebbleOS (a personal highlight of 2025).

While much of this happened in 2025, it was likely planned earlier. The original Pebble was sold to Fitbit in 2016, which Google bought in 2021. Yet, Pebble smartwatches stayed functional, thanks to Rebble, an unofficial developer group devoted to keeping Pebble alive. Since December 2016, the Rebble Alliance has archived the old Pebble app store, kept the old Pebble app working, and maintained all watch faces and apps for continued availability, all for free, accepting donations. Eric has also donated to them.

It's unfortunate that these aligned groups are now clashing over data ownership, potentially affecting the Pebble Time 2.

Core of the Data Dispute

Reportedly, Eric and Core want Rebble to share old Pebble store data for backward compatibility with new Pebble devices, so developers can see their watch faces on new models.

Rebble asserts ownership, having maintained the storefront longer than Eric's companies have existed. Their work for the community is undeniable.

Core offered Rebble payment per user for data access, acknowledging Rebble's Pebble contribution. However, issues arise:

If Rebble makes the data public, Core could copy the server, cutting them off and negating payment. Conversely, without data access, Pebble's identity and new smartwatch sales could suffer.

Both arguments are understandable. It's crucial to analyze the situation and draw valid conclusions through goodwill, partnership, and communication.

Many Pebble fans are concerned. While Eric participates, he seems to ignore key concerns.

The new app should be open source. A primary concern is that despite open-source PebbleOS and hardware, everything relies on a potentially ephemeral new app.

WaluigisRevenge2018, Reddit, November 2025

A sharp point. Why demand Rebble open-source its data while the new Pebble app's front end is closed-source? This lack of reciprocity is a fixable mistake.

Rebble's history shows no indication of withholding the app store.

gnzl, Reddit, November 2025

Another user raises concerns about Eric's approach.

Maybe I am missing something, but it seems like you did not directly address the core concern of the Rebble team.Rebble wanted to "make sure they’re not just going to build a walled garden app store". You propose uploading the app data to Archive.org as a solution, but what would prevent you from then taking that data, hosting your own app store and then cutting Rebble out completely? I know projects run on trust, but why not agree in writing to not cut them out?

zandengoff, Reddit, November 2025

Eric responded, expressing discomfort with Rebble's conditions and citing accusations against him.

I talked about that towards the end of the post. I'm not comfortable with phrases like ‘We’re happy to let them build whatever they want as long as it doesn’t hurt Rebble’. I don't have a lot of faith in them, especially after this blog post accusing me of stuff I didn't do.

Eric, Reddit, November 2025

A Reddit user questioned Eric's lack of faith in the community supporting Pebble for years.

You dont have faith in the Community that kept your watches and community of hobbyists going for the past 9-10 years and the reason you were able to put out new hardware in such short time?! Bro...

Screamline, Reddit, November 2025

Another added that instead of being uncomfortable with phrases there should be discussion on what is meant by it and that there should be lawyers involved in agreements.

> I'm not comfortable with phrases like ‘We’re happy to let them build whatever they want as long as it doesn’t hurt Rebble’.That's why you don't put that in an agreement, you discuss what is actually meant by it. From what I can tell from both the posts, that was never done, instead it's just something they allege you refuse to commit to writing.Also, for gods sake, involve a lawyer when writing agreements worth thousands of bucks. What you showed in the post is damn near useless - there's no recourse for not fulfilling part of the agreement besides tearing it up entirely, and either party could do so at any time without penalties.

steamruler, Reddit, November 2025

The new Pebble watches benefit from PebbleOS and Rebble's efforts. Eric's reaction seems emotional, stemming from care for Pebble.

This situation reflects raw passion behind a tech product, contrasting with corporate facades. However, it highlights a lack of communication, suggesting the need for a mediator.

While Eric is uncomfortable with Rebble's approach, their emotion is understandable. However, Rebble's statement, "Core Devices Keeps Stealing Our Work," is inaccurate; it is their work, but not their data.

Eric and Core recently demanded that, instead of working together, we need to just give them all of our work from the last decade so that they could do whatever they want with it. And in Eric’s latest newsletter, he hasn’t told you the truth about where the work that makes his business run came from.

Rebble, blog post, November 2025

Rebble's community poll lacks a comments section, while Eric's posts have comments but lack responses to crucial questions.

What you now know as the Pebble App Store from Eric’s new company, Core Devices, is the result of nearly a decade of our work. The data behind the Pebble App Store is 100% Rebble

Rebble, blog post, November 2025

Focus on:

Doing the Right Thing

The data belongs to its creators and the fans.

Without fans, Pebble wouldn't have its following.

Without community, the app store wouldn't have creative releases.

Without Eric, the watch wouldn't exist.

Without Rebble, these creations wouldn't be accessible.

This chain shows connection. Fandom drives innovation, hardware optimization, and Rebble's project. Eric created Pebble out of enthusiasm, and Rebble made the backup out of love for the product.

The correct action is to make the next Pebble watches the best possible. Historically, collaboration, not fear, drove tech innovation.

Enrico Tartarotti's video highlights this loss in modern tech.

The new Pebble smartwatches should remind us of how things should be, not how bad they've become.

Eric and Rebble seemingly agree:

I believe the Pebble community, Core Devices, Rebble and I all want the same thing. We love our Pebbles and want them to keep working long into the future. We love the community that has sprung up around Pebble, and how it’s persevered - next year will be the 14th anniversary of the original Kickstarter campaign!

Eric Migicovsky, personal blog, November 2025

For our friends who have supported us over the past years: we’re sorry that you’re caught in the middle of this. We think Rebble can be the hub of community, and Core can make awesome products, and these don’t have to be in conflict. Eric’s new devices, Pebble 2 Duo and Pebble Time 2, look absolutely amazing!

Rebble, blog post, November 2025

Make them the best they can be. For those still wearing old Pebbles, and for newcomers anticipating the Pebble 2 Duo.

Remember, it's about this. If you were smart enough to get here, you must be intelligent enough to reach a mutually-beneficial resolution. I hope you do soon, because I'd much rather be reading exciting product updates instead.

If you’re hopeful of the future like me, you can check out the upcoming Pebble 2 smartwatches here. I’m sure that they have the potential to be amazing devices, reminding all of us of why we love tech to begin with: because it is fun.

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