In 2024, Garmin announced the likes of many popular smartwatches: Garmin Fenix Series and Endureo 3, as well as exciting software or hardware updates, as mentioned earlier in previous posts. Contrarily, 2025 will still be an important year for the news of new releases or improvements.
What follows is a closer look at what’s likely on the way, starting with confirmed updates and moving into some educated guesses.
Garmin Roadmap 2025 -Innovations and Predictions
Coming into 2025, Garmin is poised and ready to shake up the world of wearable technology with amazing new features and updates.
Already at the forefront of GPS watches and fitness trackers, Garmin is about to push it up a notch.
We explore below what Garmin has in store for us during the year 2025 regarding new releases and upgrades that will make wearables even better.
1. Garmin Instinct 3
Garmin introduced its updated Instinct 3 series at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, bringing notable improvements to its outdoor watch lineup.
The Instinct 3 now offers various versions while avoiding overly complicated names. Unlike Instinct 2’s priced at $199 on Amazon naming structure, the new models stick to a simpler approach.
Garmin Instinct 3 Variants
- Instinct 3 AMOLED in 45mm and 50mm sizes
- Instinct 3 Solar (MIP display) in 45mm and 50mm sizes
- Instinct E in 40mm and 45mm sizes
The Instinct 3 AMOLED stands out with a redesigned look and vibrant new colors. It includes a durable metal ring around the bezel for added protection, enhancing its tough, military-grade design.
Instinct 3 AMOLED
The AMOLED display is a significant upgrade, offering a bright, touch-enabled screen with vivid colors. It elevates the Instinct series to a more premium level.
While earlier Instinct models gave off a rugged yet playful G-SHOCK vibe, the Instinct 3 feels more like a simplified version of the Fenix 8.
This model includes Garmin’s advanced training metrics, wellness tools like Body Battery and stress tracking, plus Garmin Pay and Messenger.
It also offers multiple size options, including a larger 50mm version, though I tested the 45mm model shown in the photos.
Instinct 3 Solar
The Solar version continues to feature the inset display familiar from the Instinct 2. This small screen provides key functions, such as navigation instructions and menu icons.
A new touch with the AMOLED display is its ability to make the inset screen disappear when not in use, creating more space for other features.
Meanwhile, the MIP version keeps the same display design as the previous generation, with minor updates like new colors and the addition of a flashlight.
Instinct E
The Instinct E is Garmin’s budget-friendly entry into the series and comes without the metal bezel reinforcement, making it lighter and less rugged.
It uses the MIP display and doesn’t include solar charging. Fitness features are scaled back, omitting advanced metrics like Training Load and Training Effect.
However, it still offers essentials like Body Battery, VO2 Max, and turn-by-turn navigation with GPX support.
Priced at $299, the Instinct E is an affordable option for those exploring outdoor watches. It provides Garmin’s robust GPS and fitness tracking at a fraction of the cost of the $799 Fenix E.
This model seems aimed at capturing buyers considering alternatives like the G-SHOCK.
Read Also :- Garmin Instinct 3 vs Instinct 2: 5 Big Reasons to Upgrade.
2. Garmin Tactix 8 AMOLED
The Tactix 8 is expected to launch a few months after the Fenix 8, which debuted in August 2024. Here’s what we’ve learned so far:
- Sizing Options: Connect IQ developer notes mention two sizes—47mm and 51mm.
- AMOLED Display: An AMOLED screen is confirmed, continuing the shift seen in the Tactix 7 AMOLED Edition.
What to Expect:
The Tactix 8 should keep its rugged features, like MIL-STD-810 compliance and tactical modes while adopting updates from the Fenix 8. These may include a microphone, speaker, dive features, and an updated interface.
3. Garmin Fenix 8 Pro and MicroLED
Hints about the Fenix 8 Pro and a possible MicroLED version appeared in Garmin’s Connect app in September 2024. Developer documentation also referenced the Fenix 8 MicroLED, signaling development is well underway.
Why MicroLED Matters:
- Brighter Screens: MicroLED delivers higher brightness, improving visibility outdoors.
- Durability: With no risk of burn-in, MicroLED lasts longer than OLED.
- Energy Efficiency: It uses less power, even at high brightness, extending battery life.
- Thinner Design: A MicroLED display could allow slimmer devices or larger batteries.
Garmin’s premium pricing could make it one of the first companies to adopt MicroLED in a smartwatch, but no guarantees yet. Production costs and challenges remain barriers to widespread use.
What to Expect:
If MicroLED is included, the Fenix 8 could set a new standard for smartwatch displays. It could combine exceptional brightness with the energy-saving benefits of MIP displays.
However, delays are possible due to production hurdles.
Looking Beyond: Other Potential Releases
1. Garmin Forerunner 975/275
Garmin’s Forerunner series, beloved by runners and triathletes, is also expected to see an update in 2025. The upcoming Forerunner 975/275 may include several enhancements:
- Elevate Gen 5 Sensor: Improved heart rate monitoring with ECG capabilities.
- Wireless Qi Charging: Eliminating proprietary chargers for added convenience, as seen in the Vivomove Trend.
- LTE Connectivity: A feature last seen in the Forerunner 945 LTE, enabling live tracking, messaging, and possibly phone-free music streaming.
- Built-In LED Flashlight: A popular feature in the Fenix and Instinct series that could enhance usability during night runs.
Size Variations
Current Forerunner models, such as the 965, are criticized for being too large for some users, particularly women.
The Forerunner 975 is expected to address this by offering both small and large-size options.
Release Timeline for Forerunner Models
- Forerunner 945/245: April 30, 2019
- Forerunner 955/255: June 1, 2022
- Forerunner 965/265: March 2, 2023
- Forerunner 975/275: Estimated 2H 2025
The Forerunner series continues to refine its appeal to endurance athletes with cutting-edge features, and the 975/275 looks set to build on this legacy.
2. Garmin MARQ Gen 3
The MARQ series is known for its luxury materials like titanium and sapphire glass. However, it often lags behind Garmin’s top models in terms of features.
What’s Missing:
The MARQ line lacks the Elevate Gen 5 sensor, LED flashlight, microphone, speaker, and other features in the Fenix and Epix Pro models.
What to Expect:
The MARQ Gen 3, expected in 2025, will likely close these gaps while introducing premium tech like MicroLED or solar AMOLED.
Release Timeline:
- March 2019: First-gen MARQ series
- October 2022: MARQ Gen 2 with AMOLED displays
- October 2023: MARQ Gen 2 Carbon Editions
- October 2024: MARQ Gen 2 Damascus Steel Edition
3. Garmin Venu 4
The Venu 3 launched in late 2023, so a Venu 4 could be on deck by late 2025 or early 2026.
What to Expect:
- Hardware Updates: Likely microphone, speaker, and smart features improvements.
- Voice Commands: Garmin may add voice control for the watch, as seen with the Fenix 8.
Release Timeline:
- Venu: September 2019
- Venu 2: April 2021
- Venu 3: August 2023
4. Specialized Devices: Quatix and D2 Series
Garmin’s marine (Quatix) and aviation (D2) watches often follow a few months after Fenix launches. Expect updates in 2025 that mirror the latest Fenix features with added functionality for their specific use cases.
Final Thoughts
The Garmin 2025 roadmap hints at big advancements in both hardware and software- from an Instinct 3 to a theoretical MicroLED smartwatch, next year is stacking up to be a wild one.
And knowing Garmin, it’s going to do its best to surprise us along the way. But which one are you looking most forward to? Let me know.
What Market Segments Will Garmin Prioritize in its 2025 Releases?
In 2025, Garmin will focus on the following key segments: outdoor users who need rugged wearables including the Instinct and Fenix series with better GPS and solar performance; heart rate sensors, ECG, and blood oxygen monitoring for fitness tracking, which shall appeal to athletes and health-conscious users; and smartwatch functionalities combined with fitness tracking in everyday users by the Venu series. Similarly, Garmin was about to renew the Approach series for golfers and the Forerunner for runners by offering more detailed performance metrics. Finally, the MARQ series, with luxury materials, would top it all in this particular field. After addressing their needs in diverse directions, Garmin’s position was about to become firmly established on the market.
Also See:- Garmin Instinct 3 vs Enduro 3: Rugged or Premium—Which Wins?
