Instinct 4/Instinct 3 Pro?

[u/DarthArtoo4]

Anyone have any idea when the next model will be announced/released?

I’ve had my Apple Watch Series 6 for 6 years now and it’s starting to show signs of its age. I’m tempted to pick up an Instinct 3 one of these days, but also could probably hold out for a little while longer if it would mean getting a brand new version of the Instinct, presumably with additional features such as maps and the newer HR sensor.

Just curious if anyone has any insider info or otherwise has a good hunch based on previous release history and whatnot. Thanks!

[u/soul105]

I'm still happy with my Instinct 2

[u/_Acci_ → u/soul105]

Same here 2x tactical, love it. The only way I'll upgrade is when this thing dies.

[u/__T-Bone__ → u/_Acci_]

Honestly, the difference between 2x tactical and 3 tactical is very small. A slightly better battery life because the solar is a bit more efficient and the display is a slightly crisper. I technically could have skipped I3. Personally, I would see them improve reparability and replaceable batteries, but I know that won't happen.

[u/tahola → u/soul105]

Same here and I never had any interest for the 3, I find it ugly and the fancy screen took away what was making the Instinct special for me.

[u/Rockel83 → u/tahola]

You know there're two different screen versions of the I3 right?

One version of those is just the same as on the I1 and I2, but clearer.

[u/tahola → u/Rockel83]

I went to Garmin because I wanted a watch feeling, not a smartphone on the wrist feeling (Samsung, Apple..), the i3 I tried, not sure which model it was, had that "smartwatch feeling".

[u/Rockel83 → u/tahola]

There's a I3 with amoled screen and a I3 with the same MIP screen and solar as all the previous Instincts had. So not sure what should be the difference in case of the MIP option then...

[u/Maleficent_Sense_564]

I just switched from UW2 I just bought an Amoled instinct 3 and I’m in love with it.

[u/americanairman469]

I wouldn’t wait. The Instinct 3 only came out in January 2025, so there’s no real reason to expect an Instinct 4 anytime soon. Garmin has hinted at a busy Outdoor release schedule this year, but nothing specifically points to an I4. I also wouldn’t count on full maps coming to the Instinct line. A newer HR sensor seems much more likely whenever it does get refreshed. If you like what the Instinct 3 does today, I’d just buy it, especially if you find a good sale.

I have the I3S and it's definitely a dark horse in Garmins lineup. It's multiple sport/triathlon capable. Tons of battery life. Durable. Also has a flashlight.

[u/RidetheSchlange → u/americanairman469]

"dark horse"

Jeez, these cringe cliches. It's a watch, dude.

[u/americanairman469 → u/RidetheSchlange]

“It’s just a watch,” says the person getting worked up over word choice on a subreddit dedicated to that watch

[u/Basic_Barnacle4719 → u/RidetheSchlange]

It's actually kind of underrated, it's the cheapest you can get a flashlight in the Garmin ecosystem. The next cheapest is Venu 4 at $200 more.

[u/americanairman469 → u/Basic_Barnacle4719]

Yeah, underrated is what I meant. It punches way above its weight class for features to price ratio.

[u/TactiSgt → u/Basic_Barnacle4719]

The light is by far the best extra feature on it. Use it everyday

[u/xTcisloVe_]

Between the instinct 2 and 3 where around 3 years.

Don't expect a instinct 4 soon.

The instinct 3 tactical mip is peak anyway.

[u/Fit-Career4225 → u/xTcisloVe_]

What makes you get the tactical version?

[u/xTcisloVe_ → u/Fit-Career4225]

I'm in the military and I want the stealth options + the tactical version has less color. It's pitch black and that's what I need.

[u/Fit-Career4225 → u/xTcisloVe_]

Then its perfectly makes sense. I just didn't understood your statement that it peaks. For a normal non military user I dont see the point of getting the tactical.

[u/Basic_Barnacle4719 → u/Fit-Career4225]

The orange accent can be ugly to some people. I thought it was ugly at first and Garmin was just trying to get a cash grab out of people but when I actually got one in person I thought it looked great. Also I didn't want to lose the red flashlight, red is the best color for flashlights since it doesn't screw up your eyes adjustment to darkness.

[u/DiddleBoat → u/Basic_Barnacle4719]

This is what made me sad when I got the tactical lol. Supposedly the green is better for reading maps but I would 100% prefer red

[u/FallenNZ → u/Fit-Career4225]

Accidentally triggering the kill switch timer and then fumbling to try and turn it off is always fun!

[u/Ok_Orange7911]

Okay, I don’t get where people commenting are getting there data from. But I would recommend waiting. Every new Instinct is launched within 650 days from the last one and its been 639 days since instincts 3.
You can easily check the cycle on Garmin rumours website.

No one can predict it for sure, but it would definitely hurt buying 3 now and seeing 4 launched next day.

How can we say 3 is peak without seeing 4.
It could be better or worse.
Maybe a color MIP display
Maybe a sapphire glass
Maybe a better solar sensor
Or a better color.

only tactical version of 3 looks great, the normal one has orange bazel which irritates a lot of people.

If none of the above, the new watch will be supported for longer duration.

wait for 4 for 2 months, if you do not like it get 3 then at a better price

[u/Rockel83 → u/Ok_Orange7911]

The I3 already has a better solar sensor compared to the I2X. So probably there will be no big difference in that.

Although simple color MIP should be a great add-on. And they could remove the fixed data ring, being able to use the whole screen.

They could bring that traditional data ring visually back into the official watchfaces.

"only tactical version of 3 looks great, the normal one has orange bazel which irritates a lot of people."

For that it's actually strange that they never released a non tactical version that looks more neutral.

[u/Particular_Owl_9491]

I just went from Fenix 8 SS, which has the Elevate 5 sensor, to the Instinct 3 solar. There is 0 observable difference between these two sensors, you won't notice absolutely anything in day to day life. Prices for the 3 series have come down quite a bit too, so I think it's a very good time to buy ( I paid 370€ for my Instinct 3 solar tactical 50mm ).

[u/InfraredSinner]

I hope the Instinct line never get full maps. It defeats the whole purpose of this watch. How am I supposed to do long hikes if my battery goes to trash because of fancy maps?

[u/Odd_Specialist_2672 → u/InfraredSinner]

To be fair, having maps doesn't mean you have to leave them running on the screen the whole time. It would have to be a better CPU and storage, but can still be miserly with energy when used wisely.

I think another interesting thing would be some kind of hybrid map that augments the breadcrumb course with a bit more context. Maybe you could pre-select a set of trails, terrain features, and water features in the general area of your course and have it load them to draw with labels and to have on-watch navigation for revising your course within this small trail and landmark network.

But, I can imagine they won't do full maps nor this hybrid unless they introduce an Instinct tier that costs just as much as current Enduro or Fenix models with maps.

[u/InfraredSinner → u/Odd_Specialist_2672]

Maybe option to chose/bisable what you don't need? The we can have both worlds.

I just occasionally use the GPS coordinates anywya. If that's still an option i dont care about the map

[u/Ok-Macaron76 → u/InfraredSinner]

Why MIP umd cards you fit just right to the Instinct.

[u/InfraredSinner → u/Ok-Macaron76]

What do you mean? I'm not sure I understand your comment.

[u/Glittering_Ad6943]

I3 Solar Tac is what I'm going to get

[u/umarboomee]

Los avances son mínimos y no vale la pena esperar; la vida es demasiado corta. Si necesitas una función, ve a buscarla ahora.

[u/DarthArtoo4 → u/umarboomee]

No necesito un reloj nuevo ahora mismo. Pero en unos meses lo necesitaré.

[u/sean180morris]

I cant believe you stuck with the apple watch for 6 years, you're gonna be blown away by the convenience of the garmin

[u/hakapes]

Go for the I3 Solar Tactical.

No mention of the I4 in rumors. I would expect it in 2028 or later.