Garmin Fenix 9: CEO hints at major new high-end smartwatch release timeline

Garmin's CEO his indicated that the company is preparing to release a new high-end smartwatch later this year. For context, the Fenix 8 debuted in August 2024, with the Fenix 8 Pro arriving just over a year later (curr. $1,199.99 on Amazon). Prior to that, around 14-15 months separated the Fenix 7 Pro from the Fenix 7 and the Fenix 8 from the Fenix 7 Pro.

Now, it seems that we are mere months away from the first Fenix 9 smartwatches arriving. For the time being, Garmin is remaining coy about what it has in store. However, as part of Garmin's 2025 financial year results announcement, CEO Clifton Pemble flagged that the company expects higher sales in the second half of 2026 despite launching various smartwatches this year, like the Quatix 8 Pro.

As the5krunner notes, Morgan Stanley analyst Eric Woodring stressed as much in a follow-up statement. Currently, Pemble refused to be drawn on Fenix 9 speculation. Instead, he added that Garmin's outdoor division will have a 'very active year'. No concrete details about a Fenix 9 have emerged yet. Whether recent advanced digital crown patents translate into a consumer release this generation remains to be seen at this stage, too.