Garmin is reportedly working on the Venu 4, a new premium smartwatch expected to succeed the popular Venu 3, which was launched in August 2023. While Garmin has not made an official announcement regarding the Venu 4, various leaks and industry speculation suggest that the release could be scheduled for August 2025, positioning it as a flagship device in Garmin’s smartwatch lineup.
Release Date and Pricing Expectations
The Venu 3 made its debut in August 2023, following a pattern that suggests Garmin may follow a similar timeline for the Venu 4. Historical data indicates that Garmin typically spaces its smartwatch launches about two years apart. The previous model, the Venu 2, was introduced in April 2021, with a follow-up, the Venu 2 Plus, arriving in January 2022. Given this pattern, the assumption that the Venu 4 will be unveiled in August 2025 appears reasonable.
Pricing for the Venu 4 is anticipated to be around $450, consistent with its predecessor’s launch price. The Venu 3 was priced similarly at $450 in the United States, £450 in the UK, and AU$749 in Australia, placing it in the mid-range of Garmin’s offerings. The Venu 4 is expected to compete with both high-end models like the Fenix series and more budget-friendly options like the Forerunner series.
Insights from Leaks and Rumors
While detailed leaks about the Venu 4 remain scarce, there have been notable hints regarding its features. A mention of the Venu 4 appeared briefly on the Garmin Japan website within the context of the Garmin golf app, suggesting that the new smartwatch will support improved golf functionalities. This mention has since been removed, indicating that Garmin may have intended to keep its plans under wraps for the time being.
Industry insiders have noted that the Venu series has been due for an update longer than other Garmin flagship models, such as the Fenix 8, which was revealed in August 2024. This timeline supports the theory that the Venu 4 will arrive in late summer 2025.
The recently launched Garmin Venu X1 also offers insights into the direction Garmin may take with its next smartwatch. The Venu X1 features a larger display and reflects a trend within Garmin to prioritize display quality, potentially at the expense of battery life. This shift could foreshadow changes in the Venu series.
Features and Improvements Anticipated for the Venu 4
As users look forward to the Venu 4, several enhancements are highly anticipated. The Venu 3, while well-regarded, has room for improvement in several key areas.
Firstly, an updated design is expected. The Venu X1 has showcased Garmin’s capabilities in refining aesthetics, with a thinner and lighter profile. Enhancements in bezel design and durability, potentially with the use of materials like titanium, could also be on the horizon.
Secondly, the introduction of upgraded sensors is a crucial expectation. Currently, the Venu 3 utilizes the Elevate v5 sensor, which has served well but may be due for an upgrade to enhance accuracy and broaden measurement capabilities.
Additionally, users hope for more software features on the Venu 4. The Venu 3 lacks some advanced metrics and features available on other Garmin models, such as Suggested Workouts and Training Readiness. Incorporating these functions into the Venu 4 could significantly enhance its appeal.
Another desired feature is on-board mapping. The absence of integrated mapping and route navigation in the Venu 3 has been a drawback for some users. Garmin’s recent updates to certain models with Google Maps support suggest that this addition could be feasible for the Venu 4.
Lastly, the possibility of a cellular model for the Venu 4 could distinguish it further in the competitive smartwatch market. A cellular version would enable users to send messages, make calls, and receive updates independently, enhancing its functionality compared to previous models.
As anticipation builds for the Garmin Venu 4, the combination of potential upgrades and the established reputation of its predecessor may solidify its place as a leading option in the smartwatch landscape when it arrives in 2025.
