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| The Garmin Enduro 3 shown here could have a successor soon. |
The endurance-focused wearable could arrive within months as certification documents reveal key specifications and a familiar design language.
Garmin has taken a significant step toward releasing its next-generation ultraperformance smartwatch, with a mysterious new device passing through the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification process. The model, bearing the number A05216, has sparked intense speculation within the fitness technology community, with many believing this to be the long-awaited Garmin Enduro 4.
The FCC filing, which serves as a mandatory step for any device utilizing wireless technology in the United States, provides the first concrete evidence that Garmin is preparing to refresh its endurance-focused lineup. The timing is particularly noteworthy, as the current Garmin Enduro 3 has been on the market for over two years, making a successor both expected and overdue.
What the FCC Filing Reveals
According to the certification documents, the upcoming smartwatch will support Wi-Fi 5 connectivity across both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, ensuring fast and reliable data transfers for activities like music streaming and software updates. The device will also feature Bluetooth 5.0 Low Energy, which promises improved battery efficiency when paired with compatible headphones, heart rate monitors, and other accessories.
The certification confirms that the watch will include built-in GPS capabilities, a non-negotiable feature for any serious outdoor and adventure-focused timepiece. Perhaps most interestingly for athletes who train in extreme environments, the device has been tested and certified to operate in temperatures ranging from –20 °C to +50 °C – a testament to Garmin's commitment to durability.
You can view the official FCC filing documentation for yourself .
The watch will utilize a proprietary charging cable, consistent with Garmin's established ecosystem, and features a new "inverted-F" GPS antenna design. This antenna configuration could potentially improve satellite reception and location accuracy, particularly in challenging environments like dense forests or urban canyons where GPS signals often struggle.
Is It Really the Enduro 4?
While the model number A05216 has been confirmed through the FCC, Garmin has not officially announced what device this actually represents. However, credible sources within the wearable tech community have pieced together compelling evidence suggesting we're looking at the Enduro 4.
The respected fitness technology blog the5krunner has been at the forefront of this speculation, noting that references to the Enduro 4 have recently appeared within the Garmin Connect app's codebase. This digital footprint, combined with the fact that only a single model was certified (rather than multiple variants typical of a Fenix launch), strongly points toward an Enduro rather than a Fenix release.
You can read the5krunner's full analysis and breakdown of the FCC filing .
The Photo Mystery and Launch Timeline
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the FCC filing is what isn't included. The device photographs, typically a key part of any certification process, have been withheld from public release until mid-November 2026. This delay is a clear signal that Garmin is planning a product launch within the next five months, with the company likely wanting to control when the world gets its first official look at the new device.
Industry observers expect an announcement in late October or early November, positioning the Enduro 4 as a premium holiday season release. This timeline would align perfectly with Garmin's historical launch patterns, which often see new flagship devices unveiled in the fall.
The Enduro 3 Legacy and What Comes Next
The current Garmin Enduro 3 retails at $749 on Amazon and remains one of the most capable ultraperformance smartwatches available. Its claim to fame has always been exceptional battery life, a feature that has made it the go-to choice for ultramarathon runners, endurance cyclists, and outdoor adventurers who spend days away from charging points.
The Enduro 3 was built upon the foundation of the Garmin Fenix 8, sharing many of its premium features while focusing specifically on battery optimization and weight reduction. This raises fascinating questions about the Enduro 4's development path.
Fenix 8 Pro, Fenix 9, or Something New?
The relationship between Garmin's Fenix and Enduro lines has always been symbiotic, with the Enduro essentially serving as a specialized, endurance-focused variant of the Fenix platform. As the Enduro 3 was based on the Fenix 8, speculation is now focused on which platform will underpin the Enduro 4.
The options appear to be twofold. Garmin could build the Enduro 4 on a hypothetical Fenix 8 Pro, which many believe will introduce satellite connectivity (allowing for messaging and emergency services without a smartphone nearby). Alternatively, the company might leapfrog directly to the Fenix 9, which would represent the next major generational leap in Garmin's flagship line.
Each path carries different implications for Enduro 4 buyers. A Fenix 8 Pro-based Enduro 4 would represent a more incremental update, refining existing technologies while adding satellite communication capabilities. A Fenix 9-based model, however, would suggest more substantial changes to the underlying hardware, potentially including new sensors, a redesigned display, or entirely new health-tracking capabilities.
What This Means for Adventurers and Athletes
For the endurance community, the prospect of a new Enduro model is genuinely exciting. The Enduro line has carved out a unique position in the smartwatch market, offering many of the premium features found in the Fenix series while prioritizing what matters most to ultrarunners and long-distance athletes: battery life that can stretch across multi-day events.
The FCC documentation confirms that Garmin continues to invest heavily in the durability and reliability aspects of its devices. The operating temperature range of –20 °C to +50 °C suggests the Enduro 4 will remain suitable for everything from winter ultra-marathons in Scandinavia to summer expeditions in the desert.
The new inverted-F GPS antenna could represent a significant upgrade for navigation accuracy, potentially reducing the "GPS drift" that sometimes plagues GPS watches in challenging terrain. Combined with the existing multi-band GPS capabilities found in recent Garmin devices, this could make the Enduro 4 the most accurate navigation tool Garmin has ever produced.
A Note of Caution
As with all early product leaks and speculation, it's worth approaching this information with measured skepticism. While the FCC filing is genuine and confirms the existence of a new Garmin smartwatch, the identification of this device as the Enduro 4 remains unofficial. Garmin has not confirmed any details, and the company is known for occasionally surprising the market with unexpected product announcements.
The withheld photographs could, in theory, reveal a completely new product line, or the device could be a specialized variant designed for a specific purpose. Until Garmin makes an official announcement, enthusiasts should treat these details as strong indications rather than confirmed facts.
Nevertheless, the evidence is compelling. The combination of FCC certification, in-app references to the Enduro 4, and the logical timing of a refresh makes this one of the most plausible smartwatch leaks of the year.
Looking Forward
With the photo embargo set to lift in mid-November, Garmin enthusiasts have a clear timeline to watch. The company is likely planning a coordinated marketing campaign leading up to the holiday shopping season, with the Enduro 4 positioned as a premium gift option for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
For those currently using an Enduro 3, the question of whether to upgrade will largely depend on what new features the Enduro 4 brings to the table. If satellite connectivity proves to be the headline addition, it could be a compelling reason for backcountry adventurers to make the switch. If the improvements are more modest, however, the Enduro 3 will likely remain a highly capable device for years to come.
One thing is certain: Garmin's commitment to the ultraperformance smartwatch category shows no signs of wavering. As wearable technology continues to evolve, the Enduro line represents Garmin's vision of what a specialized sports watch can achieve – prioritizing the needs of endurance athletes above all else.
The coming months will reveal whether the Enduro 4 can build upon the success of its predecessor and continue Garmin's dominance in the premium sports watch market. For now, the FCC filing has given us our first glimpse of what's coming, and it promises to be something worth waiting for.
This article is based on FCC certification documents and industry analysis. Garmin has not officially confirmed the details of any upcoming product. All specifications and features mentioned are subject to change prior to official release.
Source : FCC, via the5krunner
