Motorola could be set to revive its iconic Motor 360 smartwatch later this year. And tipsters have shared an early glimpse at what could be the reimagined design of this reimagined classic.
If you're unfamiliar with the Moto 360, this early Android timepiece was a very popular choice due to its unique features. Unlike most smartwatches, which follow in the footsteps of the Apple Watch and use a square or rectangular screen, Moto 360 mimiced the round screen of a classic watch — without sacrificing tech benefits.
Previous iterations ran on Google's Android Wear operating system, which means you get helpful features like Google Assistant at your fingertips. Whether you’re asking for the weather, setting reminders, or checking your schedule with Google Now cards, the watch keeps you connected and organised throughout the day.
The original Moto 360 watch runs on Google's Android Wear operating system, so you can use Google Assistant and other related apps
If you’re into fitness or just trying to stay active, the Moto 360 arrived with built-in heart rate sensors that monitor your heart rate during workouts and as you go about your day. It also keeps track of your steps, activities, and calories burned, so you can easily stay on top of your health goals.
We'd expect both of these to remain true of its upcoming successor too.
In the original model, Moto 360 let you switch up the watch face to match your outfit or your mood, making it feel more personal. And don’t worry about getting caught in the rain—it’s water resistant. Plus, the battery lasts all day, so you can wear it from morning to night without constantly recharging.
The leaked Moto 360 photos display a brushed metal casing and stainless steel bracelet, which strays away from its traditional rubber straps.
The leaked photos reveal a timepiece that maintains the distinctive round face while incorporating contemporary refinements. For instance, you'll notice the brushed metal casing and stainless steel bracelet represent a departure from the rubber straps typically seen on modern wearables.
The device features a rotating crown positioned at two o'clock, bearing Motorola's signature "M" emblem, alongside an additional button at four o'clock.
Five colour variations are expected when the device launches, potentially arriving as soon as September's IFA 2025 exhibition. While the colour options haven't been leaked yet, this gives you more choice in style preferences compared to competitors like Samsung.
The design specifications revealed in the renders show you'll find notable similarities to Samsung's Galaxy Watch series and the OnePlus Watch 3 For instance, the timepiece appears considerably thicker than typical fitness trackers, potentially indicating hardware capable of supporting more demanding software.
The metal link bracelet also represents a premium positioning, distinguishing it from sport-focused alternatives.
The operating system, however, remains the biggest uncertainty surrounding your anticipated smartwatch. Whilst previous Motorola wearables have utilised the company's proprietary Moto Watch OS, designed for enhanced efficiency and extended battery performance, the new model's software strategy isn't confirmed.
You might see Motorola implement a dual-system approach, similar to OnePlus's recent strategy. This would involve switching between Google's Wear OS for demanding applications and notifications, and a lightweight real-time operating system for basic functions like fitness monitoring and Bluetooth connectivity.
The interface visible in leaked images bears a resemblance to Wear OS, which is Google's operating system for smartwatches and other wearable devices. However, Motorola's recent releases, including the Moto Watch Fit, have avoided Wear OS entirely, making the final choice unpredictable.
When you consider the Moto 360's heritage, you're looking at a device that transformed smartwatch design expectations. The original model debuted in 2014 as the pioneering circular smartwatch running Android Wear, distinguishing itself from the square displays dominating the market.
Motorola produced a second iteration in 2015 before discontinuing the range in 2017. The brand resurfaced in 2019 through a licensing arrangement with Canadian firm eBuyNow, though Motorola wasn't directly involved in that revival.
This upcoming release marks Motorola's direct return to the Moto 360 legacy, with development reportedly handled internally rather than through third-party licensing.
While there isn't a confirmed release date, rumours suggest it can be in your hands before the end of the year.
Whether this revival captures the original's appeal while delivering modern functionality remains uncertain until Motorola confirms specifications and software details.