Garmin users spell out what they want from the Fenix 9

Garmin hasn’t said a word about the Fenix 9 yet, but users are already deep into wishlist mode. The community threads on Garmin’s forums have become a running list of what needs fixing, what’s missing and what would finally make them hit the upgrade button.

Now let’s make this clear. Garmin drops a new Fenix every two years like clockwork, so we’re probably not seeing the Fenix 9 until early 2027. That said, a launch in September 2026 is also possible if they stick to their usual timeline. And yes, we know the Fenix 8 Pro was just launched. We’re writing this now because the forums are already skipping ahead, dreaming up their ideal Fenix 9 while we’re still halfway through the Fenix 8’s shelf life. Might as well capture the wishlist while the speculation is still fresh.

Here’s what’s rising to the top: a thinner build, more screen, fewer bugs and smarter health and GPS tools. Most users aren’t asking for radical changes. They just want Garmin to fix what’s broken and give them more control over what features they’re paying for. LTE was previously the top request, but that box is now ticked with its inclusion in the Fenix 8 Pro. So we’re not expecting major changes there.

So let’s get into it.

A thinner Garmin Fenix 9 with more screen and less bezel

People are still frustrated with the thick case, especially on the 47mm and 51mm models. The actual thickness is often more than what Garmin lists in the spec sheet. Several pointed out that when you take the heart rate sensor into consideration – this adds another 2mm to advertised thickness. What’s mentioned is something, ideally, under 14mm. A lot of users said they’d take a small hit to battery life if the casing could slim down.

The display is another sticking point. Many want more usable screen area. Some are asking for a true 1.5-inch screen instead of repeating the 1.4-inch AMOLED across sizes. And on the MIP side, they’re asking for higher resolution and a version without the thick black ring, particularly for non-solar editions. A few said they’d be happy to skip solar entirely if it meant a larger, sharper display.

And what about the newly introduced MicroLED screen option. Can something be done so that it isn’t a drain on battery life?

Fix what’s already there before adding new features

This next one hit a nerve. A lot of people feel Garmin has been shipping unstable firmware on recent models. Complaints ranged from inconsistent heart rate readings to broken features in updates. Some even described battery life collapsing for weeks after a firmware release, only to be fixed in the next update.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

The suggestion from users is simple. Get the core features working properly before layering on more. That means navigation that doesn’t crash. Workout suggestions that make sense. Maps that don’t lag when zooming or panning. And software that doesn’t feel like a beta build. Several asked Garmin to spend more time testing, or even offer rollback options for those burned by bad updates.

Health sensors are welcome, but accuracy matters more

There’s always a wishlist of new sensors. This time around, users mentioned blood glucose, blood pressure, hydration, lactic acid and EDA. In fact, glucose and hydration were the subjects of recent Garmin patents. So don’t be surprised if at least one of those two makes it into the Fenix 9. But for many people, the priority isn’t new sensors. It’s getting the current ones right.

Wrist-based heart rate is still too unreliable for certain activities. Users brought up issues with strength training, interval work, and mountaineering. Sleep tracking accuracy was another common complaint. Several said Apple Watch handles this better, and that Garmin needs to close the gap. A few asked for continuous ECG-style rhythm checks, even if not fully medical grade, just to flag irregular heart patterns.

Bring back the GPS tools from older Fenix models

Longtime users still miss the old satellite information screens. These showed live GPS reception, signal strength by constellation and positional accuracy. That feature disappeared a few generations ago. But it keeps getting mentioned. Especially by hikers, geocachers and people who use the watch in cities or dense forests.

Some also asked for better SatIQ handling. Right now it tends to optimise for battery life. Users said they want more control, or at least visibility, into what the GPS chipset is doing. There’s interest in smarter fusion of GNSS with inertial data, to reduce GPS drift without cutting corners. A few pointed out that Coros still includes some of this, and that Garmin should bring it back.

Fall detection that works all the time

A lot of users want Garmin to take safety features further in the next version. Fall detection should work not just during activities, but all the time, even in everyday life.

Something that is better now is emergency messages. The Fenix 8 Pro is the first in the series with fully integrated inReach, offering two-way satellite messaging, SOS support and location sharing without needing a phone. It connects directly to Garmin’s 24/7 emergency response centre. When LTE is available, the watch also supports messaging and voice calls through the Garmin Messenger app.

Smaller requests that keep adding up

Wireless charging was mentioned a few times, though not everyone agrees. Some said they’d rather keep the magnetic cable as long as it stays secure. Others asked for USB-C support, or at least better cable durability.

A few want better music syncing from phone to watch via cable, without needing a PC. Others want offline access to Garmin Connect data and a desktop app that works without internet. There were also calls for better map organisation, more sport modes with fine-tuned data, and the ability to customise the UI.

Users want different things, but agree on the basics

Users want different things. Some people want a rugged watch with LTE. Others want a pure GPS tool with MIP and no distractions. A few want a modular setup where you pick the features and the price reflects it. One person even asked Garmin to make a Fairphone-style repairable model, with parts you can swap out and documentation included.

The requests are varied, but the message is pretty clear. Garmin doesn’t need to overhaul the Fenix line. They just need to tighten it up, fix the bugs and offer a bit more choice. Get the basics right, and users will come back. And perhaps introduce a new sensor while upgrading existing ones.

And finally, a lot of users are feeling the price creep in Garmin’s recent releases. A modular setup where you only pay for what you actually use, like music storage or solar, would make things easier. If that’s off the table, then at least keep the price from climbing further. Or throw in a few budget-friendly options.

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