Fitness Watches and Tech in 2026: Garmin, Fitbit and Rivals Face AI Shift, Accuracy Challenges and New Competition; Here’s What To Expect
Global fitness wearables are entering a critical phase ahead of 2026, as leading brands face pressure to fix accuracy and software issues while delivering smarter health insights. Garmin, Fitbit and rivals are expected to focus on AI-driven coaching, deeper ecosystem integration and new form factors, reshaping competition across the market worldwide.
New York, December 29: The global fitness wearable market, now valued in the tens of billions, is entering a decisive phase as it heads into 2026. After a strong 2025 for fitness watches and wearable tech, industry focus is shifting towards what comes next, from new Garmin hardware and Fitbit’s revival under Google to smarter integrations with rings and glasses. While adoption remains strong, rising expectations around accuracy, software reliability and meaningful health insights are pushing brands to evolve faster than ever.
Major players such as Garmin, Fitbit, COROS, Polar, Suunto and Amazfit are preparing for what analysts describe as a transformative period. The coming years are expected to prioritise seamless user experience, AI-driven personal health coaching and deeper ecosystem integration, even as competition from Apple, Samsung and Wear OS-powered smartwatches intensifies. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Release Date Delay Strategic Play or Market Risk? Know Expected Specifications, Features and Price of Samsung’s Upcoming Flagship.
Fitness Wearables Face Growing Pains Despite Market Leadership
Despite their dominance, established fitness watch brands continue to face criticism around performance consistency and user satisfaction. Garmin, a leader in sports and outdoor wearables, has received ongoing feedback regarding GPS inconsistencies, occasional software issues and a complex interface across its wide product portfolio. While its hardware reputation remains strong, pressure is mounting to refine software reliability and data accuracy.
At the same time, the broader market is becoming increasingly crowded. General-purpose smartwatches from Apple, Samsung, Google and OnePlus now offer advanced fitness and health tracking, narrowing the gap with dedicated fitness devices. This has forced specialist brands to focus on differentiation through deeper metrics, better accuracy and more athlete-focused insights.
What’s Next for Garmin in 2026: Fenix 9 and Beyond
Garmin’s 2025 line-up was packed with new launches, including updated Forerunner, Venu, Instinct and Vivoactive models. However, 2026 is expected to be comparatively quieter, with the Fenix 9 emerging as the only confirmed release, alongside a likely Enduro 4. Following weaker-than-expected sales of the Fenix 8 Pro, Garmin faces significant pressure to deliver a standout innovation.
Recent Garmin patents hint at potential breakthroughs, including tracking for glycated haemoglobin, hydration levels and red blood cell data via next-generation Elevate sensors. Other filings point to solar charging on AMOLED displays and a redesigned crown-based control system, which could help the Fenix 9 stand out in an increasingly competitive premium segment.
COROS, Polar and Suunto Target Garmin’s Stronghold
Garmin’s rivals are expected to remain aggressive in 2026. COROS, after a strong end to 2025, may finally refresh its VERTIX line-up with a VERTIX 4, positioning it as a more affordable alternative to the Fenix series. Polar and Suunto are also likely to double down on performance accuracy and endurance-focused users, while undercutting Garmin on price.
There is also growing interest in Whoop-style fitness bands, smart rings and minimalist trackers, which focus on recovery, strain and long-term health trends rather than screens and notifications.
Fitbit’s Revival Under Google Signals a Market Shift
Following its acquisition by Google, Fitbit is widely expected to undergo a major revival by 2026. Analysts anticipate deeper integration with Google’s health platforms, AI-powered personal health coaching and closer ties with Pixel and Galaxy Watch ecosystems. The focus is expected to shift from basic activity tracking to proactive, preventative health management with more personalised insights.
Fitbit’s comeback could also influence Android smartwatches more broadly, as Wear OS continues to mature and compete more directly with the Apple Watch in health-focused features.
Key Fitness Wearable Innovations Expected by 2026
The next wave of fitness wearables is expected to bring meaningful upgrades across multiple areas:
- Improved biometric accuracy through multi-sensor fusion and advanced AI
- Non-invasive health tracking, including glucose, blood pressure and hydration
- AI-driven personalised coaching and predictive health alerts
- Longer battery life using efficient chipsets and alternative charging methods
- Smarter ecosystem integration spanning phones, rings, glasses and healthcare platforms
- Smart glasses and ring-based health tracking are also expected to play a bigger role, offering passive monitoring alongside traditional watches.
Consumer Expectations Will Define the Winners
Ultimately, consumer demands for reliability, actionable insights and strong privacy safeguards will shape the future of fitness wearables. Users are no longer satisfied with raw data alone and increasingly expect devices to function as comprehensive personal health companions. REDMI Pad 2 Pro 5G Tablet Launch on January 6, 2025; Check Confirmed Specifications and Features.
As competition intensifies heading into 2026, brands that successfully combine accuracy, innovation and seamless user experience are best positioned to thrive. The race to define the next generation of fitness wearables is accelerating, promising smarter, more integrated health technology for users worldwide.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 29, 2025 10:43 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).