New Garmin device reveals itself with 60 GHz radar capabilities

Garmin has already released plenty of devices this year, whether that be a new version of the Venu X1, the Quatix 8 Pro or a new Approach golf smartwatch. However, it seems that the company has a few others waiting in the wings. For instance, details about the Cirqa Smart Band emerged last week via Garmin's Canadian website.

Now, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has published initial documentation for a mysterious Garmin device bearing the model number A04986. Described as a portable transceiver throughout, the Garmin A04986 supports expected connectivity found across most Garmin devices, like ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy. In that sense, the unnamed device should be compatible with Garmin Connect.

Additionally, the FCC mentions support for 60 GHz radar. As a result, we suspect that this is a new Approach or Varia-branded device. Whether the A04986 is wrist-based or a portable monitor like the Approach R10 (curr. $407.49 - refurbished on Amazon) remains unknown at this stage, though. Regardless, the expiration of Garmin and the FCC's confidentiality agreement in May suggests that a spring 2026 launch is on the cards.