Garmin Instinct 3 – First information has surfaced at Garmin
In early July, rumors about the Garmin Instinct 3 began circulating online. Apart from a photo of an unidentified Instinct model published on Reddit, there wasn’t much to see. Things went quiet for a while, with attention shifting to the Fenix 8. However, new information suggests that Garmin is preparing the Instinct 3’s launch.
The Instinct series has enjoyed a six-year success story: the rugged sports watch made its debut in October 2018. Solar-powered models followed in the summer 2020, and the Instinct 2 launched in spring 2022. Most recently, the Instinct Crossover – a hybrid sports watch – was released in November 2022.
If Garmin sticks to its two-year cycle, the Instinct 3 shouldn’t be far off.
Listing on Garmin Spain
Strong hints come from Garmin’s Spanish website, where the Instinct 3 popped up for the first time on a support page listing repair costs. The entry “INSTINCT 3, SOLAR, 45MM, NEGRO” indicates a repair price of €133.33.
Garmin Instinct 3 | Source: Garmin Spain
From this, a few details can be inferred, even though none of it is groundbreaking:
- Solar Technology
The Instinct 3 will have at least one solar-powered version. This is no surprise since all three sizes of the Instinct 2 include solar variants. Additionally, this suggests that the Instinct 3 will likely retain a transflective MIP display.
- 45 mm Size
The size is also unsurprising since the Instinct 2 is available in 40 mm, 45 mm, and 50 mm models. The medium-sized version seems to fit expectations. The absence of 40 mm or 50 mm models on the list isn’t definitive proof that these versions won’t exist.
I guess that the list isn’t complete, and a 50 mm model is likely missing. I also wouldn’t be surprised if Garmin introduces an AMOLED version of the Instinct 3. However, we likely won’t see a combination of AMOLED and Solar for this series – it would make more sense for a future Fenix 8 with MicroLED technology.
Considering the product strategy of the Fenix 8, an Instinct E with fewer features and more basic sensors might also be a possibility.
Pricing for the Garmin Instinct 3
The expected pricing for the Instinct 3 can be estimated based on the Instinct 2, recent releases, and the repair costs:
When launched, the Instinct 2 was priced at €349.99 for the non-solar version and €449.99 for the solar version. These prices applied to both the smaller and medium-sized models, as Garmin hasn’t differentiated pricing based on size for some time.
The Instinct 2X Solar launched in April 2023 with an MSRP of €449.99.
Since the solar technology is now well-established, production processes are optimized, and there’s no premium for cutting-edge tech, I expect the Instinct 3 to be priced as follows:
- Instinct 3 Solar (50 mm) – approx. €450
- Instinct 3 Solar (45 mm) – approx. €400
If a 40 mm Instinct 3 is released, it will likely also have an MSRP around €400.
Availability of the Instinct 3
Estimating the release date is trickier. The listing on Garmin’s own site doesn’t provide much clarity. Retailer listings often give better clues, but there’s been silence on that front.
A release in the next few weeks seems unlikely for the upcoming holiday season. I’d expect the Instinct 3 to arrive in February or March of next year instead.
Apart from the details pulled from Garmin’s website, all other information should be taken with a pinch of salt. Timelines may shift, pricing could change, and features will only be confirmed when more concrete details emerge. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open in the coming weeks. As soon as there are updates, you’ll find them here or on X (@fttest_de / @fttest_en).
I am the creative mastermind behind this page, with a passion for both sports and technology. By combining these interests, I write about wearables and gadgets that can enhance your sports experience. As a regular consumer, I offer insights from the perspective of a genuine user.
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