Garmin appears to be building something new into its smartwatch lineup, and it’s not subtle. A fresh leak points to a digital crown with haptic feedback and a Hall effect sensor features never before seen on a Garmin wearable.

Garmin Prototype Suggests Fenix-Inspired Design

Images linked to the new hardware show a rugged watch that mirrors the Fenix series. While earlier hints suggested the crown might land on a Vivoactive or Venu, the visuals now point to something tougher. If the casing is anything to go by, Garmin is likely testing the feature on Fenix-like hardware.

The Garmin Crown Moves Away From Mechanical Parts

Rather than using physical contact, Garmin is reportedly relying on a Hall effect sensor to detect rotation. That means fewer failure points and smoother input. Add in haptic feedback, and it seems Garmin is chasing a more refined feel without losing its no-nonsense design.

Familiar Layout, Smarter Navigation

Even with a new crown, Garmin isn’t scrapping its traditional layout. The upcoming crown is said to include a button press, keeping all core inputs intact. Inertial scrolling will open up smoother movement across menus, but users won’t need to relearn their routine.

New Features, But Still No Launch Date

Garmin has kept busy in 2025, dropping feature-rich updates like LTE boosts and microLED screens in the Fenix 8 Pro. Even so, this next move feels more strategic than flashy. The new input system could help Garmin compete with rivals like Apple and Samsung on interface fluidity.

Here’s what’s reportedly packed into the new crown:

• Hall effect sensor for non-contact rotation
• Haptic feedback to simulate clicks
• Button press integration
• Inertial scrolling for smoother menus
• Concept shown on rugged-style watch

Garmin May Be Quiet, But It’s Clearly Moving

There’s no timeline yet, but one thing’s obvious: It wants more than just endurance and accuracy. With a crown upgrade in the works, the next watch might not just survive the wild, it might feel better to use, too.