The leak & speculation surrounding Garmin’s Descent MK3 range
The Descent MK3 range has become the subject of speculation thanks to a leak on the Garmin Mexico support site that reveals four incoming variants. This is the company’s range specifically designed for divers.
A look back
The Descent Mk2 and Mk2i, the most recent models in Garmin’s specialized series, made their debut in 2020. These were followed by a more wrist-friendly version, the Mk2s, in May 2021. These are timepieces for divers and underwater enthusiasts who demand high performance and specialised features from their wearables. Whether you’re a professional diver needing precise metrics underwater or an outdoor adventurer seeking robust tracking capabilities, the Descent Mk3 aims to be a versatile tool for those needs.
Traditionally, Garmin has adhered to a two-year release cycle for its Descent series, making the absence of the Mk3 increasingly conspicuous. This has led to industry chatter suggesting that the delay could be attributed to production hiccups, potentially exacerbated by the ongoing global chip shortage. Garmin usually unveils new models in this series during the third or fourth quarter of the year.
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For those interested in diving but looking for a more budget-friendly option, Garmin introduced the G1 in March 2022. Priced at nearly half the cost of the Mk2S, the G1 incorporates much of the same technology but houses it in a more economical casing and features a lower-resolution display. Additionally, the G1 offers a Solar variant, expanding its appeal to those concerned with battery life. While the G1 is designed with divers in mind, it’s not limited to underwater use; it serves as a versatile all-rounder, unlike the more specialized Descent MK series.
We will soon be getting the MK3, though so you’ll have some more options to think about.
The Garmin MK3 range – four different variants
The leak comes from the Garmin support site in Mexico, where four different variants were spotted: the MK3, Mk3I, MK3S, and MK3SI. These models go by the numbers 010-02752-11, 010-02753-11, 010-02753-04, and 010-02753-14. The information was first spotted by Flo @fttest_en.
No information about the upcoming watches is available so it is anyone’s guess as to the functionality and specs they might bring. Of course, the new models will build upon the features of their predecessors. For instance, the heart rate sensor is likely to be upgraded to Elevate 5, the latest generation. This could potentially allow the watch to track ECG on demand and perhaps skin temperature. New features that debuted with the Vivoactive 5 and Venu 3, such as Sleep Coach and nap tracking, will likely also make an appearance.
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As far as a potential release date, the MK3 range could potentially see the light of day by mid-November. However, if it misses this window, a launch during the holiday shopping period seems unlikely. Another plausible opportunity is CES 2024 in early January, a prime time for new wearables to make their debut.
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