Something just happened that every Garmin fan has been waiting for.
A developer tore apart version 5.26 of the Garmin Connect Android app — and found something that wasn’t there in version 5.25: a direct reference to the Garmin Enduro 4.
That’s not a rumor. That’s not a third-party leak. That’s Garmin’s own software confirming the device exists. And given that the Garmin Fenix 9 was spotted in the same code, it strongly suggests both watches are heading toward a joint launch — exactly the pattern Garmin has followed before.
I’ve covered Garmin launches for years. Here’s my complete breakdown of what we know, what we can reasonably expect, and why this launch matters more than any Enduro update since the original.
How the Garmin Enduro 4 Leaked
The source is an APK teardown of Garmin Connect version 5.26, the Android companion app for Garmin devices, conducted by Gadgets & Wearables on June 17, 2026.
An APK teardown involves disassembling a compiled Android app to read its underlying code. Developers and enthusiasts regularly do this to spot references to upcoming products before manufacturers announce them. The method is well established — it’s how many Garmin, Samsung, and Apple products have been discovered before launch.
The key detail: the Enduro 4 reference was not present in version 5.25. It appeared in 5.26. That means it’s a recent, deliberate addition to Garmin’s software infrastructure — not a leftover placeholder from years ago.
The same teardown also revealed:
- A reference to the Garmin Fenix 9 in the same device registry
- New features tied to the Garmin Connect+ subscription — including possible call categorization
- Changes to emergency features including automatic incident detection improvements
Notebookcheck was first to report the full scope of the Connect+ findings, noting “these findings should be treated with caution” since none are officially confirmed. That’s fair and I’ll follow the same approach throughout this post.
Expected Release Date — Reading Garmin’s Pattern
Garmin hasn’t announced a release date. But based on their track record, we can make a confident estimate.
Historical Enduro + Fenix launch pattern:
| Generation | Launch Date |
|---|---|
| Fenix 6 + Enduro | January 2021 (Enduro), Spring 2020 (Fenix 6) |
| Fenix 7 + Enduro 2 | January 2022 |
| Fenix 8 + Enduro 3 | September 2024 |
The Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 launched together in September 2024. Following that two-year cadence, the Fenix 9 and Enduro 4 would be due in H2 2026 — possibly September or October 2026.
That timing aligns perfectly with a comment Garmin CEO Cliff Pemble made earlier this year. He reassured investors he expected “stronger performance in the back half of the year due to the timing of product launches,” adding it would be “a very active year for outdoor.” The outdoor line is exactly where the Fenix and Enduro sit.
Confidence level: High. The CEO’s statement plus the APK reference in mid-June gives a strong signal for a H2 2026 launch. A summer announcement before September is possible — Garmin has occasionally announced watches ahead of their retail availability.
Expected Features — What We Can Reasonably Predict
Nothing is officially confirmed for the Enduro 4. What follows is based on the APK findings, Garmin’s product development patterns, and reasonable extrapolation from the Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 generation.
| Feature | Enduro 3 | Enduro 4 (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | MIP (Power Glass solar) | MIP or AMOLED — undecided |
| Solar Charging | Yes — Power Glass | Expected to continue |
| Battery (GPS on) | ~110 hours | 110–140 hours expected |
| Battery (solar, good light) | ~400+ hours | 400–500 hours possible |
| Chipset | Older Garmin platform | Updated — possibly Connect IQ 5.x |
| GPS | Multi-band GPS | Multi-band GPS — continued |
| Maps | Full color TopoActive | Full color TopoActive |
| LTE / Satellite Comms | No | Possible — APK hints at expanded comms |
| Connect+ Features | Basic | Expanded — APK confirms new features |
| Incident Detection | Yes | Improved — mentioned in APK |
| Training Tools | Full Garmin suite | Expanded AI coaching expected |
| Heart Rate | Yes | Improved sensors expected |
| Case Material | Carbon fiber reinforced polymer | Same or new composite |
| Weight | ~65g | Similar or lighter |
One standout from the Notebookcheck report: the APK points to possible LTE and satellite communication capabilities — a significant upgrade if confirmed.
The current Enduro 3 has no LTE. Adding satellite messaging (similar to what Apple Watch Ultra and some Garmin Fenix 8 Pro variants already have) would make the Enduro 4 far more capable for true backcountry expeditions.
Garmin Connect+ expansion is the other significant software detail. The teardown suggests new subscription features are incoming — call categorization, expanded emergency tools, and potentially AI coaching features. This is consistent with Garmin’s push to monetize Connect+ as a recurring revenue stream.
The Big Question: Can Garmin Finally Ditch MIP Displays?
This is what everyone is actually debating — and T3 hit the nail on the head with their headline.
The Enduro series has used MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) displays since the beginning. MIP is a reflective screen technology — readable in direct sunlight, very low power draw, and deeply compatible with Garmin’s solar charging technology.
But most of Garmin’s lineup has moved to AMOLED. The Fenix 8, Forerunner series, Venu 4, Vivoactive 6 — all AMOLED now. MIP is becoming Garmin’s niche display for pure endurance use cases.
The case for keeping MIP:
MIP + Solar is what makes the Enduro the Enduro. The Enduro 3 can last over 400 hours in solar mode. No AMOLED watch comes close to that. The endurance athlete community — ultra-runners, expedition hikers, Ironman triathletes — chooses the Enduro specifically because it won’t die on day four of a mountain crossing.
AMOLED displays consume dramatically more power than MIP. Even if Garmin made significant battery efficiency improvements, an AMOLED Enduro would almost certainly deliver meaningfully shorter runtimes. That directly undermines the product’s reason for existing.
The case for switching to AMOLED:
The MIP display is the single biggest complaint about the Enduro from buyers who care about daily wearability. The screen looks dated in 2026. It’s hard to read in low light without the backlight. At $899, you’re wearing a watch with a screen that looks worse than a $199 Fitbit.
Garmin has been working on Power Glass technology — solar-enhanced AMOLED displays. The Fenix 8 Pro reportedly uses a MicroLED panel with Power Glass integration. If Garmin can make Power Glass work efficiently enough to offset AMOLED’s power demand, the Enduro 4 could theoretically have a beautiful screen and still deliver exceptional battery life.
Most likely scenario:
Based on current evidence, the Enduro 4 will almost certainly keep MIP with enhanced solar charging. Here’s why:
- AMOLED + solar has not been demonstrated at Enduro-grade battery life in any product yet
- The Enduro’s entire identity is battery endurance — changing that risks alienating the core buyer
- Garmin typically reserves display innovations for the Fenix, not the Enduro
- An updated MIP with improved solar efficiency and a new chipset is the low-risk, high-reward move
If AMOLED + solar does arrive in 2026, it will almost certainly debut in the Fenix 9 first — then trickle to the Enduro 5.
My probability estimate: 80% MIP + solar again. 20% AMOLED with enhanced solar.
Garmin Enduro 4 vs Fenix 9 — What’s the Difference?
These two watches are expected to launch together, but they serve different buyers. Understanding the difference matters.
| Feature | Garmin Fenix 9 | Garmin Enduro 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Premium metal/titanium | Lightweight composite + titanium bezel |
| Display | AMOLED (likely) | MIP solar (likely) |
| Battery (smartwatch mode) | 18–25 days expected | 30–40 days expected |
| Battery (GPS mode) | 60–80 hours expected | 100–140 hours expected |
| Solar Charging | Possible via Power Glass | Core feature — expected |
| Weight | Heavier (~80–90g) | Lighter (~60–70g) |
| Price | Higher — ~$999+ expected | Lower — ~$899 expected |
| Target User | Premium daily watch + outdoor | Pure endurance/expedition athletes |
| Best Choice | Daily wearer who also adventures | Ultra-runners, thru-hikers, Ironman |
The Fenix 9 is for people who want the best Garmin watch for all-around use. The Enduro 4 is for people who need their watch to outlast the adventure — no matter how long it takes.
If you run ultras, do multi-day mountain crossings, or compete in events where charging is simply not possible, the Enduro 4 is the right choice.
If you want the full Garmin flagship experience with a beautiful screen and don’t mind charging more often, wait for the Fenix 9.
For a full comparison of the Fenix 9’s expected specs and features, see our Garmin Fenix 9 complete guide.
Expected Price
No pricing has been leaked or announced. Based on the Enduro 3’s launch price and Garmin’s pricing history:
| Model | Launch Price |
|---|---|
| Garmin Enduro 2 | $899.99 |
| Garmin Enduro 3 | $899.99 |
| Garmin Enduro 4 (expected) | $899.99–$949.99 |
Regional pricing estimates:
| Region | Expected Price |
|---|---|
| USA | ~$899–$949 |
| UK | ~£799–£849 |
| Europe | ~€899–€949 |
| India | ~₹85,000–₹90,000 |
Garmin has been consistent on Enduro pricing. A slight increase to $949 is possible if LTE or satellite messaging is added — those components add cost. If it’s a standard MIP + solar refresh, expect $899 again.
Should You Wait or Buy the Enduro 3 Now?
Buy the Garmin Enduro 3 now if:
- You need a watch immediately for an event, race, or expedition within the next 3 months
- You find a significant discount — Enduro 3 prices will drop after Enduro 4 launches
- Battery life above all else is your priority and you don’t care about display quality
- You’ve been holding off for a long time and the Enduro 3 already meets your needs
Wait for the Garmin Enduro 4 if:
- You’re buying new and can wait until late 2026
- The LTE or satellite communication feature matters to you
- You want the latest Connect+ features baked in from day one
- You’re upgrading from Enduro 2 or an older model and want to skip a generation
Skip both and consider instead if:
- You want an AMOLED display now — consider the Garmin Fenix 8 or Venu 4
- You primarily want health tracking over endurance — the Venu 4 or Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 are better options
- You’re an iPhone user who cares about seamless integration — Apple Watch Ultra 4 (September 2026) is the right direction
If you’re deciding between the Enduro line and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 for outdoor use, our Garmin Fenix 9 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 comparison covers that decision in detail.
What the Running Community Is Saying
The Garmin and endurance running communities have been talking about the Enduro 4 for months. Based on discussion across running forums and Garmin user communities, here’s what they actually want:
Most requested upgrades:
- Improved solar charging efficiency — the #1 request
- Better night running display visibility without killing battery
- Satellite messaging (Garmin Messenger or inReach integration)
- Connect+ AI coaching that uses training history, not just today’s data
- Slightly more comfortable strap options out of the box
- Improved wrist HR accuracy during high-intensity intervals
Common complaints about Enduro 3:
- MIP display looks genuinely outdated in 2026
- The backlight timer is too short for night running
- No satellite messaging for true backcountry safety
- Connect+ features feel limited relative to the $899 price
Community wishlist items (less likely but frequently mentioned):
- AMOLED display with 40+ day battery — most acknowledge this is technically very difficult
- Thinner, lighter form factor
- Better integration with Strava and third-party platforms
- Longer warranty and better scratch resistance on the lens
The consensus is clear: most Enduro users would trade a prettier screen for another 20% battery life extension. The community is pragmatic in a way that casual smartwatch buyers aren’t. They have real races to finish.
My Prediction — Clearly Labeled as Opinion
The following section is my personal take based on 6+ years covering Garmin products.
Will the Enduro 4 launch in 2026? 95% yes. The APK reference in June, the CEO’s H2 outdoor comment, and Garmin’s two-year launch cadence all point to 2026. I’d be surprised if it slips to 2027.
Will it keep MIP? 80% yes. The endurance community is Garmin’s most loyal audience. Alienating them with a battery step-down would be a strategic mistake, and Garmin knows it.
Will LTE be included? 40% yes. The APK hints are intriguing but satellite messaging integration seems more likely than full cellular LTE. Garmin has inReach technology already — extending that into the Enduro 4 makes more sense than adding a full cellular radio.
Will it launch alongside Fenix 9? 85% yes. Both appeared in the same APK. History says they launch together. September 2026 feels right.
Will it be worth buying over Enduro 3? If you’re on Enduro 2 or older — yes, definitely. If you own Enduro 3 — probably not unless satellite messaging or Connect+ AI features are compelling upgrades for you specifically.
Final Verdict
The Garmin Enduro 4 is real. Garmin’s own software confirmed it.
Based on everything we know — the CEO’s H2 outdoor comments, the Fenix 9 appearing in the same code, and Garmin’s two-year launch cadence — a late 2026 launch alongside the Fenix 9 is the most likely scenario.
The big display debate is interesting but probably won’t change the outcome: expect MIP + enhanced solar again. The Enduro’s battery endurance is its identity, and Garmin won’t risk that for a screen upgrade that endurance athletes don’t need.
What’s genuinely exciting is the Connect+ expansion and potential satellite communication improvements. If Garmin builds proper inReach-level messaging into the Enduro 4 at the base price, that changes what the watch can do for solo adventurers in a way no display upgrade could match.
If you’re an endurance athlete waiting for a reason to upgrade, hold tight. The wait looks like it’ll be worth it.
This post will be updated immediately when Garmin makes an official announcement.
Related Read
- Garmin Fenix 9 vs Apple Watch Ultra 4 (2026)— full comparison for outdoor athletes
- Best Smartwatches for Seniors with Fall Detection — if emergency SOS features matter most
- Best Rugged Smartwatches 2026 — comparing all tough outdoor options
Sources
- Gadgets & Wearables — original APK teardown source (primary leak)
- Garmin.com — Enduro 3 official specs for comparison data
- Garmin Investor Relations — CEO Cliff Pemble H2 outdoor comment source
FAQ
Is the Garmin Enduro 4 confirmed?
The name has been confirmed via an APK teardown of Garmin Connect version 5.26. It was not present in version 5.25. Garmin has not officially announced the watch.
When will the Garmin Enduro 4 be released?
No official date has been announced. Based on Garmin’s two-year cadence and the CEO’s H2 2026 outdoor comments, a September–October 2026 launch alongside the Garmin Fenix 9 is the most likely scenario.
Will the Garmin Enduro 4 have an AMOLED display?
Unlikely, based on current information. The Enduro series uses MIP display technology to achieve industry-leading battery life. An AMOLED display would significantly reduce runtime. Most analysts expect MIP with enhanced solar charging to continue for this generation.
How much will the Garmin Enduro 4 cost?
No pricing has been announced. Based on the Enduro 2 and Enduro 3 both launching at $899.99, expect a similar price point — possibly up to $949.99 if LTE or satellite communication is added.
What is the Garmin Enduro 4 battery life expected to be?
If Garmin follows the Enduro 3 pattern with improved solar efficiency and a new chipset, expect 100–140 hours in GPS mode and potentially 400–500+ hours in solar mode under favourable conditions. But No confirmed figures.
Garmin Fenix 9 vs Enduro 4 — which should I buy?
The Fenix 9 is for premium daily wear with outdoor capability. The Enduro 4 is for endurance athletes who need maximum battery life above everything else. If you run ultras or multi-day adventures, the Enduro 4. If you want the best overall Garmin flagship, wait to see the Fenix 9 specs.
Will the Garmin Enduro 4 have solar charging?
Almost certainly yes. Solar charging via Garmin’s Power Glass technology is a defining feature of the Enduro series. There is no indication this will be removed.
What is Garmin Connect+?
Garmin Connect+ is Garmin’s subscription service offering advanced health insights, AI coaching tools, and premium features beyond the free Garmin Connect app. The Enduro 4 APK leak also revealed new Connect+ features in development, including call categorization and improved emergency detection tools.
Is it worth upgrading from Garmin Enduro 3 to Enduro 4?
If you own the Enduro 3, probably not unless satellite messaging or significant Connect+ AI features are confirmed and matter to your use case. If you own the Enduro 2 or older, the Enduro 4 will be a meaningful upgrade.
What is the best Garmin watch for endurance athletes right now?
As of June 2026, the Garmin Enduro 3 remains the best choice for pure endurance athletes prioritizing battery life. If you can wait until late 2026, the Enduro 4 should be worth it based on current leak signals.
Will Garmin Enduro 4 have LTE?
Possibly. The APK teardown hinted at expanded connectivity features, including possible call categorization. However, it’s unclear whether this points to full LTE or enhanced satellite messaging via Garmin’s inReach technology. No confirmation either way.
Disclaimer: All features and specs mentioned are based on leaks, APK analysis, and Garmin’s historical patterns as of June 18, 2026. Nothing is confirmed until Garmin announces officially.
