The Garmin Tactix 7 (pictured here) is set to get a successor soon. (Image source: Garmin)

After Garmin had already listed a Fenix 8 Pro and a Fenix 8 microLED in an app in September, the microLED model is now showing up again. As Gadgets & Wearables reports, the new model has been added to a watch face compatibility list that developers can see when they want to publish a watch face in the Garmin Connect IQ Store.

The fact that the smartwatch is already listed in several publicly accessible listings indicates that a launch is imminent. Garmin has already signed a contract with Vuzix, a supplier of the microLED panels that are to be installed in the flagship smartwatch. The Garmin Fenix 8 could become the first smartwatch in the world to be equipped with a microLED display. Compared to OLED, the screen technology promises much higher brightness with lower power consumption and a longer service life without burn-in issues, but production costs are significantly higher.

At the same time, Garmin is also listing the successor to the Tactix 7 AMOLED Edition, which will be available with a diameter of either 47 millimeters or 51 millimeters. By contrast, the Tactix 7 was only available as a 51 millimeter model. The Tactix series is characterized by a range of "tactical" features, ranging from an integrated LED flashlight, a mode that ensures the readability of the display with a night vision device, to a kill switch that deletes all of the smartwatch's data at the touch of a button. However, it is not yet clear what new features the Tactix 8 will offer apart from the smaller model.

Garmin has already listed the Fenix 8 microLED and the Tactix 8 in official compatibility lists. (Image source: Garmin, via Gadgets & Wearables)

TrendForce 2024 Micro LED Market Trend and Technology Cost Analysis
Release: 31 May / 30 November 2024
Language: Traditional Chinese / English
Format: PDF
Page: 160-180