For a lot of people, the most exciting new smartwatches of 2026 have either gone official last month or are set to be formally unveiled alongside the latest iPhones next month. But for quite a few other wearable device fans, outdoor lovers, and serious athletes, tomorrow is likely to be the big day, as Garmin plans to hold a special announcement event for a (not so) mysterious product... or three.
The Fenix 9 is coming in three sizes with optional Pro features and solar charging
Released on August 27, 2024 at retail prices of $999.99 and up in the US, the Garmin Fenix 8 is still without a doubt one of the best smartwatches money can buy right now. But that doesn't mean a sequel isn't warranted, especially after the Apple Watch Ultra 3 saw daylight last year and with an Apple Watch Ultra 4 expected out soon.
Obviously, the Garmin Fenix 9 will be an extensive family of super-robust and incredibly feature-packed multisport smartwatches rather than consisting of just one or two different devices, and much like its forerunner, the new collection is all but guaranteed to include 43, 47, and 51mm case sizes.
The smallest Fenix 9 model will apparently retain the 43mm size of this Fenix 8 variant. | Image by PhoneArena
It's no surprise to see both Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro variants prematurely revealed by a European retailer either, but intriguingly enough, it appears that some non-Pro models will support proprietary inReach technology this time around to allow you to access LTE and satellite networks in the most isolated places you can imagine.
That's definitely a little confusing, especially as it's not entirely clear what will make the Fenix 9 Pro, well, a Pro in that case, but it suggests Garmin plans to make cellular and satellite connectivity more accessible to the masses this year to better compete with the Apple Watch Ultra family.
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Do you think you'll buy the Garmin Fenix 9?
Solar charging, of course, remains an important option and a key potential differentiator for Garmin's next big thing, although some of the company's most devoted fans have a major concern regarding this particular functionality.
When 18 models are still not enough to satisfy everyone's needs...
That's right, a few eagle-eyed Redditors have noticed a crucial omission from the freshly leaked Fenix 9 lineup, and they're certainly not happy about it.
Man if they dont make a fenix 8 solar successor (i dont need inreach) im gonna be so sad
spakecdk on Reddit, August 23, 2026
Apparently, there's no "regular" Fenix 9 Solar version in the pipeline sans Pro branding, which is causing some big pricing concerns for prospective buyers who often rely on solar charging to maximize their wearable's battery endurance.
The non-Pro Fenix 8 Solar, in case you're wondering, normally starts at $1,099.99 with up to 28 days of battery life and no inReach support. Clearly, the Fenix 9 Pro Solar will be significantly more expensive, especially as it's apparently set to rock built-in LTE and satellite connectivity.
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So how much should you expect the Fenix 9 to cost?
In the Czech Republic, the price could start as high as the equivalent of around $1,185 for a 43mm AMOLED variant without Pro features, inReach technology, or solar charging capabilities.
These obscene prices are not technically etched in stone, but they feel pretty accurate. | Image by Fitness Tracker Test
While that doesn't necessarily mean the Fenix 9's official US starting price will circle the $1,200 mark, it does suggest the new rugged Garmin smartwatch will cost more than its predecessor on the old continent. And if that's the case, an American hike could definitely also happen.
So, no, I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see the cheapest Garmin 9 model fetch $1,200 stateside, with the most expensive variants possibly going up to $1,500 or so... sans microLED display technology, which is apparently going away.
What else could be unveiled tomorrow?
Technically, of course, the Fenix 9 is not yet confirmed to make an appearance at Garmin's "Play Harder" event on Tuesday, August 25.
But I would be very surprised if that doesn't up happening after this European retail leak, and if history is any indication, sequels to the Enduro 3 "ultraperformance" smartwatch and the more affordable Fenix E "premium multisport" timepiece could also break cover tomorrow despite no inside information having transpired about either of these two products to date.
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Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.
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