First leak from retailer suggests Garmin Fenix 8 will launch in September

The highly anticipated Garmin Fenix 8 smartwatch could be unveiled in September, according to a leak from a Finnish retailer. It’s the first concrete details about the device’s launch after months of speculation, potentially setting the stage for one of the most significant updates to Garmin’s flagship multisport watch line in recent years.

Key details of the leak

The launch is scheduled just before IFA Berlin, which begins on September 6. Garmin typically shows off new products at this major European tech event, making it a logical place to introduce the Fenix 8 series.

The Fenix 8 will reportedly be available in 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes, which is a slight change from the current 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm options. This slight change in size could indicate improvements in design or an adjustment to accommodate new hardware features.

Garmin Fenix 8 premiere in September — Screenshot

Available colors include WhiteStone with Whitestone band, Slategray steel/Black with Black Band, and Stainless Steel/Black. The company may expand these options in the future.

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The leaked information suggests higher prices compared to the current Fenix offering. The 43 and 47mm models have a list price of €995.90, while the 51mm model costs €1,095.90. Interestingly, there will also be a more affordable version of the Fenix E in the 47mm size. It will retail for €797.90.

Analysis and Market Implications

This leak is in line with Garmin’s historical 2-3 year update cycle for the Fenix series. The last major release, the Fenix 7, was released in January 2022, followed by the interim Fenix 7 Pro in May 2023. The timing of this potential launch could be strategic. For one, Garmin has a great platform to launch the device in Europe’s biggest tech meetup. It would also allow the company to capitalize on the holiday shopping season.

The higher prices suggest a possible merger of Garmin’s Fenix and Epix lines. This would solve the current feature overlap between these models, with the main difference being the display technology.

While it may not be to everyone’s taste, the AMOLED display on the Fenix 8 will appeal to a wider audience. Epix certainly has its fans for that reason. Additionally, the company is moving away from Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) display technology.

The introduction of the Fenix E model is particularly intriguing. It could be a version that retains the MIP, possibly incorporating elements of the Enduro line. It could be a more affordable option for users who prefer longer battery life over a high-resolution display. The “E” designation could stand for “Enduro.” That’s just a guess.

This potential restructuring of the Fenix line could have significant implications for Garmin’s product strategy. By consolidating features from multiple lines into the Fenix series, Garmin could seek to streamline its product offering while meeting the diverse needs of users.

As always with leaks, this information should be considered speculative until officially confirmed by Garmin. However, the level of detail and timing in relation to IFA Berlin lends credence to this information. As we get closer to the rumored release date, it’s likely we’ll see more leaks.

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