The Garmin Enduro series has always been a bit of an outlier—and I mean that in the best way possible. While the Fenix line is the “do-everything” flagship and the Epix (or the newer Fenix AMOLED models) brings the flash, the Enduro has remained the stubborn, long-distance champion for those of us who measure our runs in hours and days, not minutes.
With the Enduro 3 having pushed the boundaries of solar charging and battery life, my mind is already drifting toward what’s next. As a runner who obsesses over every data point—and someone who genuinely values a watch that might actually outlast me on the trail—here is my personal wishlist and my best guess for when we’ll see the Garmin Enduro 4.
Please note that the details shared in this article represent my own personal speculation, wishlists, and technical expectations based on my time spent analyzing wearable data. While I closely monitor historical release patterns and the current trajectory of the market to make these predictions, nothing is official until Garmin makes a formal announcement. The world of technology moves fast, and as soon as any concrete information, leaked specs, or regulatory filings come to light, I will be sure to update this article to keep you informed with the most accurate details available.
The “Must-Have” Wishlist
1. Finally, a 47mm “Small” Version
This is at the top of my list for a reason. Historically, the Enduro has only come in a massive 51mm casing. While that extra real estate is great for battery and screen visibility, it’s simply too big for many runners with smaller wrists. I’m hoping the Enduro 4 finally introduces a 47mm version. If Garmin can keep the weight down and still manage to pack in a respectable battery, it would open up the “ultra-endurance” category to a much wider audience who currently feel forced to choose the Fenix just for the fit.
2. The Solar Revolution: More Glass, Less Bezel
The Enduro 3 made great strides in solar efficiency, but I want to see Garmin go even further. My dream for the Enduro 4 is a borderless solar charging panel. Currently, there’s still a visible ring around the display. If Garmin can integrate that technology more seamlessly into the glass itself without sacrificing clarity, we could see a jump in power harvesting that makes “infinite battery life” a reality even in GPS mode, not just smartwatch mode.
3. A Dedicated “Rucking” Profile (Done Right)
Interestingly, while some newer Garmin models have started to embrace rucking, the software often feels like a repurposed hiking profile. For the Enduro 4, I want native support for rucking that factors in weighted vest input. I want my training load and VO2 Max to adjust based on the 20 or 30 pounds I’m carrying, providing a more accurate reflection of the actual strain on my body.
4. Microphone and Speaker (The Ultra-Light Version)
I know, I know—the “purists” usually hate this. But when you’re 40 miles into a 100-miler, and your phone is buried deep in your hydration vest, being able to take a quick call or use a voice assistant to set a reminder/timer is a massive quality-of-life upgrade. The key here is adding it without adding the bulk seen on the Fenix or Venu series.
5. Dual-Band GPS 2.0
Garmin’s SatIQ is already brilliant, but I’m looking for even faster “cold start” lock-on times and improved accuracy in deep canyons or dense forest canopies. When you’re exhausted, the last thing you want to do is stand around for two minutes waiting for a green bar.
Expectations: What is Actually Likely?
While I have my “dream” features, I expect Garmin to focus heavily on Weight vs. Durability. The Enduro 3 was impressively light for its size, largely thanks to the UltraFit nylon strap. For the Enduro 4, I expect:
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Next-Gen Heart Rate Sensor: While the current Elevate Gen 5 sensor is already a massive step up—enabling features like ECG and improved skin temperature tracking—I’m fully expecting the Enduro 4 to be among the first to debut the Elevate Gen 6.
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Enhanced Mapping: More internal storage for global maps and perhaps a faster processor to make panning and zooming through topo maps feel as fluid as a smartphone.
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The “Cirqa” Influence: With rumors of new hardware lines like the Garmin Cirqa floating around, I expect the Enduro 4 to adopt some of those high-end materials—perhaps more titanium to keep the weight down while keeping the ruggedness high.
When Can We Expect the Release?
Predicting Garmin’s release cycle is part science and part guesswork. If we look at the history:
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Enduro 1: February 2021
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Enduro 2: August 2022
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Enduro 3: August 2024
Garmin seems to have settled into a roughly two-year cycle for the Enduro. Since the Enduro 3 arrived in late 2024, I’m putting my money on an August 2026 release date. This aligns with the lead-up to major fall ultramarathons like UTMB, where Garmin loves to showcase its most durable gear.
Final Thoughts
The Enduro isn’t for everyone, and that’s exactly why I love it. It’s a specialized tool for a specific type of athlete. If Garmin can manage to keep the weight down, push the solar tech to the edge, and refine the software for specialized training like rucking, the Enduro 4 will easily maintain its crown as the king of the trails.
Until then, I’ll be keeping a close eye on those FCC filings!
Also Read: The 5 Garmin Launches I’m Saving My Money For in H2 2026
