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| Garmin last reached the Vivosmart series over three years ago. |
Garmin has had a year of dynamic expansion. From diving into the sleep tech arena with the Index Sleep Monitor to bolstering its premium lineup with the Fenix 8 Pro, the navigation giant has been exploring new frontiers. Now, after years of speculation from its loyal user base, it appears Garmin is poised to revive one of its most popular lines. Multiple, credible leaks indicate the long-dormant Vivosmart series is finally getting a sequel.
The Vivosmart 5, still a reliable staple on retailers like Amazon for $149.99, made its debut over three years ago. Known for its lightweight form, week-long battery, and essential health tracking, it has held its ground. However, with technology advancing rapidly, the anticipation for a successor has been building. The question wasn't if but when Garmin would answer the call.
That "when" now looks to be early 2026, thanks to a trail of digital breadcrumbs left on official Garmin channels and global certification databases.
The Official Clues: From Indonesia to Sweden
The most telling evidence comes from Garmin itself. An eagle-eyed source at Garmin Rumors discovered a product description for the Vivosmart 6 on Garmin's official Indonesian website. The listing, which has since been scrutinized, paints a picture of a significant upgrade.
*"Vivosmart 6 is a stylish sports watch suitable for both men and women. It is equipped with built-in GPS and more than 30 sports apps. This watch can track activities such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, and even wheelchair user activities, making it an ideal choice for your daily activity tracker."*
The mention of built-in GPS is a potential game-changer. This feature, which allows for precise location tracking without a paired smartphone, has traditionally been reserved for Garmin's larger watch models. Its inclusion would dramatically elevate the Vivosmart's capabilities for runners and cyclists, bridging the gap between a basic tracker and a full-fledged sports watch.
Almost simultaneously, a placeholder for the Vivoactive 6 appeared on Garmin Sweden's site. While primarily for another device, the page's code explicitly references the "Vivosmart 6" by name, further solidifying its existence in Garmin's upcoming portfolio.
Regulatory Hints and What It All Means
Adding technical weight to the rumors is a recent certification from South Korea's National Radio Research Agency (NRRA). The agency, which you can explore here, approved a new Garmin fitness tracker with the model number A04986. While it doesn't bear the Vivosmart name, the timing and device category align perfectly with the other leaks.
So, what can we expect? While official design and full specs are still under wraps, the leaks suggest a major refresh is imminent:
- Built-in GPS: A first for the series, enabling standalone workout tracking.
- Enhanced Sports Suite: Over 30 activity profiles, including dedicated tracking for wheelchair users, emphasizing inclusivity.
- A Modern Update: After a 3+ year hiatus, we can anticipate newer sensors for improved heart rate, SpO2, and possibly stress and sleep tracking algorithms.
This strategic move makes sense. By injecting advanced features like GPS into its slimmer, more affordable tracker line, Garmin isn't just replacing an old model—it's redefining the category. It puts direct pressure on competitors by offering flagship-level technology in a discreet band.
The official sources for these findings, including the Garmin Indonesia page, the Swedish placeholder, and the detailed report from Garmin Rumors, all point toward a single conclusion. While you can still find the capable outgoing model on Amazon, the horizon looks exciting.
All signs now point to Garmin officially pulling back the curtain on the Vivosmart 6 in the first part of 2026, marking a powerful and strategic return to a segment its fans have been eagerly waiting for.
