Garmin CEO Cliff Pemble hinted at the forthcoming release of a new Fenix-series smartwatch during a quarterly earnings call this week, sparking speculation about the Fenix 9. Pemble indicated stronger financial performance in the latter half of 2026, attributing it to “the timing of product launches” within the company’s outdoor product category, which includes the Fenix line.
The comments, first reported by technology news site TechRadar and further detailed by the5krunner.com, suggest Garmin is preparing a significant update to its popular outdoor smartwatch series. The Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Pro, released in August 2024, received high ratings, making a successor approximately two years later a logical progression, according to industry observers.
Garmin divides its smartwatch portfolio into two main segments: outdoor (Fenix, Instinct) and fitness (Venu, Forerunner, Vivoactive). While the fitness segment has seen recent growth with products like the Vivoactive 6, the outdoor segment has been comparatively slower. A flagship Fenix model could provide the boost Pemble alluded to, according to analysis of the earnings call.
Details regarding potential features of the Fenix 9 remain scarce. Current Fenix models utilize Garmin’s Power Glass solar charging technology, which extends battery life when exposed to sufficient sunlight. However, this technology currently works best with memory-in-pixel displays and is not yet fully compatible with AMOLED screens. A key innovation in the Fenix 9 could be the successful integration of solar charging with a brighter, more vibrant AMOLED display, potentially signaling a shift away from MIP screens for the Fenix line.
The earnings call was primarily intended to reassure investors, and the promise of significant developments in the outdoor segment strongly suggests a high-profile flagship launch, according to reports. Garmin has not yet announced a specific release date or detailed specifications for any new Fenix models.
