Garmin 2025 was a good year with the release of new Forerunners, Instinct, Venu, Vivoactive and the Fenix ​​8 Pro series of watches. Its entire lineup has actually been updated.
With 2026 just around the corner, I've been mulling over my 2026 bucket list. best Garmin watches. Not necessarily the models (although I'm sure the Fenix ​​9 is probably around the corner), but the features that those models will contain.
1. AMOLED power glass
The introduction of Power Glass AMOLED will end the solar charging limitation for MIP-only models. Currently, users have to choose between long battery life from a solar panel and a modern, bright AMOLED display. The combination of these features will allow premium AMOLED watches like the Forerunner series to regain the passive battery expansion we last saw on Garmin Precursor 955eliminating significant compromises for high-end users.
Garmin would rightly point out the technical challenges of implementing this feature, such as the difficulty of creating a solar layer that can collect light without blocking or impairing visibility. How a solar layer and an AMOLED display can coexist is way beyond my pay grade, but that doesn't stop me from wanting it.
Integrating solar charging into AMOLED will ensure the future of Garmin's flagship line. By adding Power Glass, Garmin will maintain fantastic battery life while delivering the high-quality visual experience we've come to expect.
2. Detection of hypertension
Hypertension monitoring smartwatches use optical sensors (PPG) to track heart rate and blood flow patterns, analyzing the data over time to detect potential signs of high blood pressure (hypertension). Key models such as the latest and best apple watches use complex algorithms and PPG signals, while others, e.g. Huawei watch D2Use micropump cuffs for more accurate measurements.
Instead of integrating this technology into its smartwatches, Garmin has so far opted for a standalone smart blood pressure monitor that syncs readings with the Garmin Connect app to track trends and share them with doctors. Garmin sees this as an additional offering, but it would be great if Garmin integrated this technology directly into its watches. Apple did.
On-board hypertension monitoring may be seen as a departure from the brand's fitness requirements, but if it wants to maintain a competitive edge over its rivals, it should take action while there is still time. Even Whoop has added more heart-healthy features to its fitness offerings with Uuu MG.
3. Gesture control
Apple and Samsung ahead of Garmin in this area. Considering that most Garmin users have their hands full during workouts, I would like to see Garmin take some steps towards improving hands-free operation. Apple has simple Double Tap and Wrist Swipe gestures that allow users to perform common actions with one hand, while Samsung has universal gestures that include fist and squeeze actions.
Apple Watch and the Galaxy Watch lines are arguably more intuitive to use than their competitors such as Garmin Venu 4 or Garmin Vivoactive 6. If Garmin is going to retain users who want both top-notch fitness services and cutting-edge smart features, then it needs to add a few features like gesture controls to make using them just as intuitive.
Plus, hands-free gestures are just cool.
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The best Garmin watches
