The Garmin Enduro Series has never been just another series, and by that, I mean it has been an outlier series for Garmin. Where Fenix Series is the all-around flagship series, and Epix Series (or Fenix with AMOLED screens) brings the glam factor, the Enduro Series remains the tough guy that can take you through hours and days of running without needing a recharge.
Since the Garmin Enduro 3 has already stretched the limits of solar energy and battery performance, here comes my wish list and my prediction for the Garmin Enduro 4. Being an avid runner and one who is obsessed with numbers, I would like to share some of my predictions regarding this watch.
It should be noted that all of the above points raised here are purely speculation on my part and are based on my analysis of wearable devices. Even though I am always watching for historical trends and trying to predict the future market direction in order to form these speculations, nothing is definite until Garmin decides to announce its plans officially. Technological development goes at lightning speed, and therefore once any information becomes available or gets leaked, I will definitely update this article with the latest facts.
The “Must-Have” Wishlist
1: A 47 mm “Small” Version?
There is no way around it, as far as I’m concerned. Until now, Garmin has exclusively offered the watch with an oversized 51 mm case. Although the larger size offers plenty of room for battery and display visibility, not everyone wants such a bulky design. That is why I am hoping that Garmin will introduce a “smaller” version in the form of 47 mm. If the brand is able to produce a relatively light watch despite the battery capacity increase, then “ultra-endurance” watches will become available to a much wider audience, thus forcing some people to pick up Fenix.
2. Solar Technology Evolution: Glass Only?
With each successive model, solar technology seems to be getting better and better. However, there is always more room for improvement. My hope for the next release is to see the implementation of a fully bezel-less display for better energy collection. At the moment, a bezel does cover part of the display surface. The more efficient this process becomes, the closer we get to having an infinite battery in all modes.
3. A Proper “Rucking” Profile (If Done Correctly)
It may seem odd to mention, since new Garmin watches have incorporated rucking features, but it still seems like a hacked-together version of their hiking software. With the Enduro 4, I’d like true rucking support that will allow me to incorporate weighted vest input and give me a training load and VO2 Max that adjusts based on the 20-30 pounds of gear I’m hauling.
4. Microphone and Speaker (The Lightweight Version)
This will make the purists crazy, but when you’re 40+ miles into a 100-miler, and your cell phone is nestled safely away in your hydration pack, having the ability to receive calls and activate a voice assistant to set reminders or timers is invaluable. The trick will be doing it without increasing the watch size seen in the Fenix and Venu watches.
5. Dual Band GPS 2.0
The SatIQ technology in the Garmin watch is great. I’m just looking for quicker cold start GPS lock times and better accuracy in rugged terrain or under heavy forest canopy cover when exhaustion sets in and you don’t want to be stuck waiting two minutes for a green light.
Expectations: What is Actually Likely?
Though I have my own “wish list” of features that will make the watch perfect, I’m sure that Garmin will concentrate mainly on Weight vs. Durability. Indeed, the Enduro 3 was extremely lightweight for such a robust device due to the UltraFit nylon band. As for the Enduro 4, I predict that:
- The Next-Generation Heart Rate Monitor: While the present-day Elevate Gen 5 heart rate monitor is a huge improvement, with all those cool features like ECG readings and advanced skin temperature detection, I’m sure that the next generation of the Enduro 4 will feature the newest Elevate Gen 6.
- Improved Map Functionality: Extra memory space for all these global maps and maybe even a faster processor for smoother scrolling through topographic maps.
- The “Influence” of Garmin Cirqa: Considering rumors about the upcoming Garmin Cirqa hardware line, I’m sure that there’ll be a few advanced materials in the Enduro 4, such as titanium, making the device both durable and lightweight.
When Can We Expect the Release?
Estimating when Garmin will release their watches requires knowledge and a bit of speculation. From analyzing its past performance:
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Enduro 1: February 2021
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Enduro 2: August 2022
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Enduro 3: August 2024
Based on the data above, Garmin follows an approximate two-year cycle regarding the Enduro watch. As the Enduro 3 was released in late 2024, I predict that the next one will be released in August 2026. Fall ultramarathons such as UTMB are held during September, and it is a great time for Garmin to present its toughest products.
Final Thoughts
Not all cyclists need the Enduro, and it is precisely because of this that I find it so appealing. The device is a perfect tool for an exact athlete. With Garmin succeeding in keeping the weight low, maximizing the use of solar power, and optimizing the software specifically for workouts such as rucking, there’s no way that the Enduro 4 won’t stay on top of its game.
Until then, I will be watching those FCC documents closely!
Also Read: The 5 Garmin Launches I’m Saving My Money For in H2 2026
