Which Garmin watch is likely launching first in 2026

A recent regulatory filing gives a hint about what Garmin has lined up for early 2026. The signs point to a small, stylish watch without Wi-Fi, which makes the Lily 3 a likely candidate.

All signs point to something small and stylish

The radio certification comes from the FCC database – and it was filed this summer. According to the documentation, the upcoming device keeps things simple. The filing describes a Low Power Data Transceiver with Bluetooth and ANT+, but skips Wi-Fi entirely. That exclusion alone is enough to narrow down the possibilities.

While most Garmin watches, even budget ones, now come with Wi-Fi, the lack of it here puts this model firmly in the lifestyle category. You’re not looking at something from the Fenix, Epix or even the Forerunner range. This one is more about day-to-day convenience and subtle design cues than high-performance training or mapping.

There’s no image or design sketch in the paperwork. But the presence of a screen is confirmed. Combined with the low radio output and simple connectivity, this is shaping up to be a small, fashion-forward watch aimed at casual users.

Why the Venu Sq line doesn’t match the clues

Some might hope this is the long overdue Venu Sq 3. That line hasn’t been updated since 2022. But a few technical details in the filing suggest otherwise.

The antenna design gives us an important hint. Rectangular Garmin watches like the Venu Sq tend to use a patch antenna integrated into the circuit board. Round models, by contrast, usually embed the antenna into the bezel using a loop configuration. Based on the test methodology here, it looks much more like the latter.

There’s also a strategic reason to doubt a new Venu Sq is coming. Garmin launched the rectangular Venu X1 earlier this year, which already fills the space the Sq used to occupy. Between that and the main Venu 4 line, there’s not much room left. Garmin has a track record of trimming product lines when they overlap too much, and the Sq might quietly fade into history.

The release timing lines up

This filing includes a standard confidentiality hold that lifts soon. Garmin usually requests these to keep photos and manuals under wraps until launch. That timing alone points to a January release window, which fits Garmin’s usual cycle. Perfect timing for CES 2026 or shortly after.

The Lily 2 launched in January 2024. If this is indeed the Lily 3, it would land exactly two years later. Granted, there was a Lily 2 Active, but that one is also now more than a year old.

Garmin Lily 3 ticks all the right boxes: no Wi-Fi, small case size, round shape and low power output. The Lily line isn’t about chasing athletes. It’s about delivering notifications and wellness metrics in a discreet, jewellery-like form factor.

From a power standpoint, this new device is consistent with that mission. Low output readings in testing suggest a small battery and efficient use of radio, which aligns with the kind of wearable you’d expect someone to wear around the clock without worrying about charging every day.

Interestingly enough, a recent Garmin patent has popped up for a watch with a fully functional rotating crown. Garmin Lily 2 has no physical buttons, so you operate everything via the touch display. A Garmin Lily 3 might actually be a great candidate for Garmin’s first watch with a proper crown.

What might that look like? We’ve put together a concept image.

A quiet end to the year, but not for long

If you scroll through the FCC database you’ll notice there have been no recent filings. There’s a reason. The recent US government shutdown caused delays at regulatory agencies. That means filings made a few months ago are only now starting to appear in the public record.

Once the backlog clears, we’ll likely see a cluster of documents emerge in the coming weeks. That should bring more clarity around bigger launches, especially those expected in Q1 and Q2.

Some of those may not need entirely new filings anyway. Garmin often reuses existing certifications through what’s known as a permissive change. A new model might piggyback on the radio approvals of a related device, especially if the changes are internal or cosmetic. This is a typical move to avoid giving away a launch before the official reveal.

Expect the picture to get clearer in the lead-up to CES in early January. But for now, all signs point to Lily 3 leading the way into 2026.

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