The A04986 has had me on edge lately, but this morning I’ve managed to spot it once again. It has actually made it into the Singapore IMDA database.
For us, this is huge, since it proves the pattern we expected from the start. If you’ve followed the site, you know that the particular model was spotted first in South Korea back when it got its RRA certification. Seeing the device make an appearance first in Korea and then Singapore indicates that the regional “blackout” is over.
Update: Well, I need to raise my hand and say sorry for the confusion regarding the A04986 product. Upon reviewing the latest SIRIM submission, it appears that this particular variant is called Bicycle Rear Radar (Varia RearVue 820). We were all pretty sure that it was the vívosmart 6 when the Korean approval came through, but in truth, it seems that we got a completely different item. I do apologize for any confusion, but I just wanted to be accurate.
The Paper Trail is Getting Hard to Hide
But this hasn’t worked for Garmin – it’s been quite difficult for the company to contain the news. The discovery of A04986 in IMDA is just another step in solving this larger mystery:
- Korean RRA Leak: For starters, we spotted the name “A04986” in Korean regulatory filings last year. This was the first tangible proof that there is indeed something new coming from the company.
- Swedish Placeholders: Next came a placeholder page for “vívosmart 6,” published by Garmin Sweden.
- Indonesian Metadata Leak: Even metadata leaks happened in Indonesia, effectively showing the specifications of the watch, with over 30 sports applications and wheelchair mode included.
Finally, Built-in GPS?
What’s most important about the recent leak is that we’re probably looking at integrated GPS.
The primary reason why the vívosmart 5 feels old is that you’ll have to take your smartphone with you if you want to keep track of a run. According to what I see in the registration data, Garmin will finally fix this issue with the upcoming vívosmart 5. This time, we’re getting a thin, lightweight wristband that can do everything by itself.
What This Means for Us
It is evident that the A04986 device successfully cleared the IMDA today to signal the start of the “9-series” manufacturing process. Garmin will take care of the filings in the mid-range segment and the “Fitness” class before unveiling its flagship devices.
Waiting for the arrival of a new generation of trackers equipped with GPS capabilities was not an easy task, but the filings do not lie. The vívosmart 6 tracker will be released soon.
The investigation into other “9-series” devices continues, so stay tuned!
Also Read: The 5 Garmin Launches I’m Saving My Money For in H2 2026
