Garmin has announced the Fenix 8 Pro, a rugged, high-end smartwatch featuring a groundbreaking microLED display, advanced connectivity options including satellite and cellular, and designed for outdoor athletes, with prices ranging from $1,199.99 to $1,999.99, available from September 8.
The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro and Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED introduce LTE and two-way satellite messaging, along with a brighter MicroLED display, but come with higher prices, larger sizes, and the removal of the smaller 43mm model. The devices focus on connectivity and display enhancements, with the MicroLED model offering unprecedented brightness but at the cost of battery life, and the LTE features primarily aimed at safety and basic communication for outdoor activities.
Garmin's upcoming Fenix 8 Pro smartwatch is set to feature the brightest microLED display ever, with a possible release in September 2025. The device will also have a non-microLED variant with SOS connectivity, likely via LTE and Garmin's inReach service, costing around €9.99 per month.
The release of Apple's highly anticipated Watch Ultra with microLED display is reportedly delayed until 2027 or later, as supply chain analysts believe that Apple won't be able to secure enough microLED displays at a reasonable price before then, with the current display reportedly costing $40 for Apple to assemble, while the microLED screens will likely cost around $150, posing a significant cost challenge for the company.
The next major upgrade for the Apple Watch Ultra is rumored to be the introduction of microLED display technology, according to a reliable leaker on Weibo. While the feature is not expected to launch next year, reports from various sources suggest that Apple is planning to bring microLED displays to its key products, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, after debuting the technology on the Apple Watch Ultra. The custom-designed microLED display is expected to offer improved brightness, color reproduction, and viewing angles, and will reduce Apple's reliance on suppliers like Samsung and LG.
Apple is reportedly planning a major overhaul for the upcoming tenth anniversary of the Apple Watch, with the "Watch X" model expected to feature a thinner case, magnetic band, microLED display, and a blood pressure monitoring tool. These upgrades are set to be released in 2024 or 2025, while the Series 9 Apple Watch, launching in September, will offer minor upgrades such as a new S9 chip, improved battery life, and a potential new pink color.