Garmin Fenix 9 Leaks Show 18 New Smartwatch Models Coming This Week: What Buyers Should Know

Garmin is set to announce a major new lineup of rugged smartwatches on August 25, with leaked information revealing an extensive Fenix 9 family that will directly challenge the Apple Watch Ultra line. The company plans to release multiple variants across different case sizes and feature tiers, marking a significant refresh to its popular multisport watch collection.

What’s Coming in the Fenix 9 Lineup

The upcoming Fenix 9 family will span 18 different models, offering unprecedented choice for outdoor enthusiasts and serious athletes. Like its predecessor, the Fenix 8, the new generation will come in three case sizes: 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm. Garmin is expected to offer both standard and Pro versions across these sizes, with the addition of optional solar charging capabilities on select models.

One of the most significant changes involves connectivity options. Rather than limiting satellite and cellular access exclusively to premium variants, Garmin appears poised to extend its inReach technology to some non-Pro models. This move would give more buyers access to LTE and satellite networks in remote locations, bringing these features to a broader price point than previously possible. The inReach capability becomes increasingly valuable for adventurers venturing into areas with no traditional cellular coverage.

Pricing Could Rise Significantly

Based on European retail listings that surfaced ahead of the announcement, the Fenix 9 pricing structure will likely climb compared to the current generation. The base model without Pro features, solar charging, or inReach connectivity is expected to start around $1,185 in the United States for the 43mm AMOLED variant. This represents a meaningful increase over earlier Fenix pricing, though final American pricing has not yet been officially confirmed.

The most feature-rich variants with Pro branding, solar charging, and connectivity tools could potentially reach $1,500 or more. Buyers should prepare for higher entry points if they’re considering this upgrade, particularly those who want solar capabilities combined with cellular or satellite features. For those seeking more affordable smartwatch options, understanding the new pricing structure will help guide purchasing decisions.

Solar Charging Concerns

Community feedback has already highlighted a notable gap in the leaked lineup: there appears to be no standard Fenix 9 Solar model without Pro branding. The previous-generation Fenix 8 Solar started at $1,099.99 and delivered up to 28 days of battery life without requiring inReach connectivity. The absence of this middle-ground option means buyers who prioritize solar charging will likely need to commit to the higher-priced Pro variant, which will bundle in additional connectivity features they may not need.

This pricing structure could frustrate users who value solar charging primarily for extended battery endurance rather than satellite communication. The shift suggests Garmin may be consolidating features into fewer tiers, potentially forcing buyers to purchase more capability than they actually require.

A Direct Challenge to Apple Watch Ultra

The timing of this Fenix 9 launch comes as Apple prepares its own watches for fall announcements. By expanding connectivity options and maintaining Garmin’s reputation for extreme durability and battery endurance, the Fenix 9 family positions itself as a legitimate alternative for shoppers seeking an Apple Watch competitor. Where swimming smartwatches prioritize fitness tracking and outdoor capability, both Garmin and Apple now emphasize remote connectivity and emergency communication.

The Fenix 8, still considered one of the best available smartwatches since its August 2024 launch, set a high bar with its robust feature set and premium build quality. The Fenix 9 builds on that foundation by making advanced capabilities like satellite communication available at more price points, acknowledging that Apple Watch Ultra owners benefit significantly from Emergency SOS via satellite functionality.

What Shoppers Should Expect

The 18-model lineup reflects Garmin’s commitment to serving diverse buyer needs across different athletic pursuits, budgets, and desired features. Whether you prioritize extreme battery life, satellite communication in wilderness areas, or solar charging for minimal charging hassles, the expanded family should include a configuration that fits your specific requirements.

Before the official August 25 announcement, prospective buyers should consider whether solar charging is essential for their use case, as this feature will likely drive pricing significantly higher. Those primarily interested in cellular connectivity or who prefer more affordable smartwatch options may find better value in base or mid-tier models rather than fully-loaded Pro variants.

The Fenix 9 announcement will provide complete pricing, confirmed specifications, and availability details for the entire family. For outdoor enthusiasts and athletes who have historically chosen Garmin over Apple for their specific needs, this next-generation lineup represents a compelling upgrade path with expanded connectivity and more granular feature options than ever before.

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