Garmin seems to be working on new additions to its lineup. Leaks are hinting at upcoming models including the Tactix 8 AMOLED and the Fenix 8 MicroLED. Watch face developers have uncovered references to these devices when uploading their apps. This suggests that Garmin is gearing up for their release, perhaps in the weeks ahead.
Here’s a screenshot.
The mention of both the Tactix 8 AMOLED and the Fenix 8 MicroLED appears in the list of compatible devices seen during the upload process of watch face apps. Specifically, the Tactix 8 in two sizes is mentioned: 47mm and 51mm. This is significant, as it marks the first time this model has appeared in such a context.
Meanwhile, this is the second appearance for the Fenix 8 MicroLED, following a similar reference uncovered a few weeks ago. So its a strong indicator that we will be getting such a device.
The Tactix series has long catered to outdoor and tactical use cases, emphasizing durability, navigation features, and advanced mapping capabilities. Generation 7 was released back in April 2022. This is some two and a half months after the release of the Fenix 7 range. It was followed up by an AMOLED version of the same in September 2023.
As far as the Fenix 8 MicroLED, this screen technology promises increased energy efficiency compared to both traditional OLED and AMOLED displays. Which could mean even longer battery life for users of the Fenix series. Apple has, apparently, abandoned plans for now for a MicroLED Apple Watch and Apple Watch Ultra. So this could help the Fenix 8 stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
The timing of these leaks suggests that Garmin might be positioning these new models for an official reveal in the near future. When exactly, is anyone’s guess. If we do see them now, it will likely be before mid-November. After that we are in the holiday shopping period where it all gets a bit hectic. Garmin rarely has any product releases in late November or December.
Another opportunity would be at the start of the year. The company may seize CES 2025 to showcase the Tactix 8 AMOLED and the Fenix 8 MicroLED to a global audience. Or perhaps shortly after the Las Vegas event, in late January. The references to these new models in developer tools suggests that Garmin is already preparing the software ecosystem for their launch.
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