Meta has launched a new AI-powered virtual pet app called Waddle World, allowing users to raise digital pets, interact with them, and share details about their everyday lives.
The app resembles classic Tamagotchi virtual pet games, but adds artificial intelligence to make interactions more personal and engaging.
Currently, Waddle World is available for iOS and Android users in the Philippines. Meta has not yet announced a launch date for other countries.
How Waddle World Works
Waddle World features a 16-bit pixel-art environment where users can hatch and raise their own virtual pets.
Players can feed their pets, play mini-games, and interact with them throughout the day. Unlike traditional virtual pet games, the app uses AI to learn about users through their conversations and activities.
Users can share their thoughts and daily experiences by typing or speaking. The virtual pet then transforms these conversations into journal entries written from its own perspective, accompanied by small illustrations.
The app also offers mini-games and weekly emails summarizing what the virtual pet has learned about its owner.
No Daily Login Streaks or Rewards
Meta says Waddle World is designed to provide a relaxing and pressure-free experience, rather than encouraging users to return every day to maintain progress.
Unlike many mobile games, it does not require users to maintain daily login streaks or compete for high scores. Players can spend a few minutes or longer with their pets without worrying about losing progress.
Meta describes the app as a virtual pet experience rather than a conventional AI chatbot, personal assistant, or productivity tool.
The app is intended for users aged 18 and above.
Meta Explores New AI-Powered Apps
Waddle World is part of Meta’s broader efforts to explore new applications of artificial intelligence beyond traditional chatbots.
The company has previously introduced Pocket, which enables users to create games using AI, and Vibes, an app focused on AI-generated videos.
Meta has also been developing a Tamagotchi-style physical device powered by its Muse AI technology. Waddle World could represent an early experiment related to this project, although the company has not confirmed any direct connection.
Availability of Waddle World
Waddle World is currently free to download through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in the Philippines. Social media consultant Matt Navarra highlighted the app on October 27, 2026.
However, Meta has not confirmed whether or when the app will launch internationally.
The launch comes as AI companion services face growing scrutiny over their potential effects on young users. Companies including Character.AI and OpenAI have faced lawsuits alleging harm to teenagers involving their products.
Meta has not stated whether these concerns influenced Waddle World’s design or its decision to make the app available exclusively to adults.