The year is 2026, and the Vivosmart 5 is already four years old. In tech blogging, that’s ancient history. With all the attention Garmin has been giving to high-end products like the Fenix 8 Pro and Vivoactive 6, the “thin strap” enthusiasts haven’t received much news.
However, I’ve been combing through FCC documents and other leaks from around the world, and the speculation is getting intense. Is it time for the Vivosmart 6, or is Garmin looking in a new direction, perhaps with the screen-less “Cirqa”? Let’s dive into what I think.
Will the Vivosmart 6 Ever Launch?
The information is conflicting. While the “Vivosmart 6” was briefly spotted on the Indonesian version of Garmin’s website towards the end of last year, with features like built-in GPS and support for over 30 sports modes, there was also an announcement of the huge software update for the Vivoactive 6 and Venu X1 models, with no mention of the Vivosmart range whatsoever.
In my view, Garmin finds itself at a crucial turning point. Either it needs to refresh its Vivosmart 6 model to compete with the upcoming Fitbit Charge 6, or it must retire the display altogether to face Whoop head-on with the subscription-free “recovery band”. Judging by their track record, I don’t think Garmin would opt for the latter approach unless it considers the screen obsolete, which doesn’t seem likely to me.
What I Want to See
1. In-Built GPS (Goodbye, “Connected” GPS)
If there’s one thing that the Vivosmart 5 gets wrong, it is that its GPS depends on the phone. As far as the survival of the Vivosmart 6 in 2026 goes, it needs to have built-in GPS. From what the rumors say, the company has finally decided to go for more energy-efficient GNSS chips, which can be incorporated into the thin device without reducing battery life.
2. An AMOLED Display?
Why not? Let’s face it: grayscale OLED has no place in 2026. I want to see a color AMOLED display in my watch.
3. The “Cirqa” Effect: Metrics for Recovery
With the rumored existence of a non-screen “Garmin Cirqa,” it is time that the VivoSmart 6 has the following features that we have already been witnessing in the high-tier watches: Training Readiness, HRV Status, and the new Lifestyle Logging (for caffeine and alcohol).
4. Enhanced Charging Connection
I am tired of the “plug-in” proprietary chargers. It is high time that the VivoSmart series got an improved connection through a magnetic charger and perhaps even went for a wireless one.
Release Date: When Can We Expect It?
The “CES 2026” speculations faded out quietly. Recently, though, the CEO of Garmin, Cliff Pemble, threw in some hints that he expects a “substantial amount of new product launches” for H2 2026.
Considering the present-day product release cycles, I guess that we will see this product launched either in August or September 2026, which coincides with the IFA Berlin dates. It will be another strong wellness product for Garmin for the holiday season.
Final Thoughts
I have been writing about Garmin for many years now, but there is one product line that seems to attract most questions from those who “don’t need a watch.” If Garmin produced an ultra-thin AMOLED wristband with GPS and without any subscription costs, it would dominate the industry.
Also Read: Is Garmin Actually Releasing the CIRQA? Here’s My Take on the Evidence
