Garmin has announced a haul of five CES 2026 Innovation Awards, underscoring its push into next-generation displays, multi-sport performance, and new market segments.
The accolades, presented by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) ahead of the world’s largest tech event in January 2026, recognise Garmin innovations across three main areas: premium smartwatches, running and diving performance, and a surprising entry into equine health.
Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing, Susan Lyman said “These honours highlight Garmin’s ongoing commitment to redefine what is possible for consumers around the globe.
“From introducing the world’s first MicroLED smartwatch display to pioneering advancements in equine and dive technology… Garmin continues to set the standard for innovation.”
Garmin will be showcasing the following, award-winning, innovations at CES 2026, which runs from January 6–9, 2026 in Las Vegas.
1. fēnix 8 Pro
The headline award goes to the fēnix 8 Pro – MicroLED, recognised for its status as ‘the brightest smartwatch ever built’. The multisport GPS watch is the first on the market to integrate a cutting-edge MicroLED display, offering superior clarity even in direct sunlight – seen as a crucial factor for mountain and trail runners in particular.
For the remote adventurer, the 51mm model is also the first in the fēnix line to include inReach satellite and LTE connectivity (subscription required), providing two-way messaging and interactive SOS capabilities without a phone. This feature helps to elevate the Pro model from a training tool to a vital piece of off-grid safety gear. (UK RRP: £1,729.99)
2. Forerunner 970
Garmin’s flagship multipart watch, the Forerunner 970, secures an award for its advancements in running and multi-sport tracking. It features an AMOLED display for superior map visibility, a built-in LED flashlight (with strobe for added visibility on early morning/late night runs), and enhanced navigation.
Key software upgrades include a Running Economy feature, which helps athletes measure stride efficiency, along with ECG capability and a comprehensive suite of advanced training and recovery metrics.
3. Descent S1 Diver Communication Buoy
In a nod to the growing world of performance and safety diving, the Descent S1 Buoy offers a new communication system. Using the SubWave sonar network, the buoy allows topside crews to monitor and send preset messages to networked divers (using a compatible Descent computer and T2 transceiver), greatly enhancing safety and coordination in complex underwater environments.
4. Venu 4
Aimed at the health-conscious athlete, the Venu 4 delivers sophisticated wellness tracking. Its new ‘Lifestyle Logging’ and ‘Health Status’ features allow users to track trends and understand how daily choices such as alcohol, caffeine, and sleep impact their overall body metrics – seen as key data for optimising race preparation and recovery. The Venu 4 also features a crisp AMOLED display and a multi-band GPS system.
5. Blaze Equine Wellness System
Garmin’s entry into the equestrian space, the Blaze Equine Wellness System, was recognised for its unique application of wearable technology. The easy-to-use tail wrap and sensor gives horse riders and trainers real-time data on their horse’s heart rate, strides, gait, and skin temperature, helping to monitor performance, recovery, and heat stress.
