Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 16 hrs ago
Garmin says MicroLED Fenix may take time as prices could rise
Garmin does not expect a MicroLED Fenix before its next smartwatch generation.
The company’s COO, Brad Trenkle, said the timing depends on that next generation.
Garmin’s MicroLED supplier, AU Optronics, is building a production line set to begin operating in the first half of 2027.
The line is expected to make a new generation of panels, but a smartwatch using them may still take time to reach the market.
Rising DRAM costs could push Garmin prices higher, Trenkle warned.
He said Garmin’s comparatively high margins may help it absorb costs better than many competitors, so increases may be less sharp.
No launch date or specific price changes were given.
Garmin COO Brad Trenkle does not expect a Fenix with a MicroLED display before the next smartwatch generation launches.
Garmin’s MicroLED supplier, AU Optronics, is working on a new production line scheduled to begin operating in the first half of 2027.
The line is expected to manufacture a new generation of panels.
Garmin says it could face higher costs because of the DRAM crisis, and price increases cannot be ruled out.
Trenkle suggests Garmin’s comparatively high margins could help limit any price rises.
- Who
- Garmin and its COO, Brad Trenkle; its MicroLED supplier is AU Optronics.
- What
- Garmin does not expect a MicroLED Fenix before its next smartwatch generation. Price increases are possible.
- When
- The article was published on November 9, 2026. The supplier’s new production line is scheduled to begin operating in the first half of 2027.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- MicroLED panels are still in development, and the DRAM crisis could increase Garmin’s production costs.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Notebookcheck reported that Brad Trenkle did not expect a MicroLED Fenix before the next smartwatch generation.
AU Optronics’ new production line is scheduled to begin operating and manufacture a new generation of panels.
- Garmin COO
- Brad Trenkle
- MicroLED supplier
- AU Optronics
- New production line
- Scheduled to begin operating in the first half of 2027
- Potential cost pressure
- DRAM crisis
- Article publication date
- November 9, 2026