Garmin appears to be preparing a big update for its flagship smartwatch lineup. According to a new report originally published by the site Garmin Rumors, the tech company is set to introduce three separate versions of the upcoming Fenix 9 series later this year.
GarminRumors has built a solid track record by sharing legitimate leaks and accurate early details about upcoming wearables in the past. Still, as with any unannounced product details, it is best to take this news with a grain of salt until Garmin makes an official announcement.
A Three-Model Lineup on the Horizon
According to the leaked report, Garmin is planning to split the upcoming series into three distinct offerings: the standard Fenix 9, the Fenix 9 Pro, and a dedicated Fenix 9 Pro inReach.
The biggest change in this lineup structure involves satellite features. In earlier generations, satellite messaging options were bundled directly into the standard Pro models. This time around, Garmin is making inReach satellite connectivity a feature exclusive to its own standalone variant. Additionally, the Pro models are expected to sport more premium build materials, such as sapphire crystal screen covers, effectively replacing the old “Sapphire” naming scheme.
The Return of Solar and MiP Screens
For users worried that Garmin was abandoning sunlight-readable screens entirely in favor of AMOLED panels, the report brings good news. While the base Fenix 9 is expected to ship exclusively with an AMOLED display, the higher-tier Pro models will reportedly give buyers a choice.
Both the Fenix 9 Pro and Fenix 9 Pro inReach are rumored to offer options for either a colorful AMOLED display or a traditional Memory-in-Pixel (MiP) screen. The MiP versions will also incorporate built-in solar panels, using direct sunlight to top off the battery while you are outdoors.
However, watch size will play a major role in display availability. While all three models are expected to come in a smaller 43mm case option, the battery-saving MiP and solar configuration will likely remain limited to larger watch sizes of 47mm and up.
Why Screen Choice Matters for Battery Life
The debate between AMOLED and MiP displays comes down to visual crispness versus raw battery endurance. While AMOLED screens deliver richer colors and sharper visuals, MiP displays draw significantly less power and excel in direct sunlight.
The real-world difference in longevity can be massive:
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MiP with Solar: Built for multi-week expeditions without needing a wall charger. For comparison, the current 47mm Fenix 8 Solar lasts up to 28 days in regular smartwatch mode.
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AMOLED: Ideal for high-vibrancy maps and everyday use, but requires more frequent charging. The equivalent 47mm Fenix 8 AMOLED lasts around 16 days under normal conditions, dropping to roughly 7 days if you keep the display always on.
With the launch anticipated for the second half of 2026, Garmin looks set to cater to both daily smartwatch users and hard-core endurance athletes looking to maximize time off the grid.
Also Read:Â Garmin Fenix 9 Release Date & Expected Features (My Predictions)
