According to The5kRunner, employees of the wearable fitness tech brand Garmin have revealed that internal testing for the Fenix 8 Micro LED smartwatch is currently underway. However, due to production issues with the Micro LED display, the official release of the smartwatch could be delayed by over a year.

Production Challenges and High Costs
The primary challenge facing Garmin is the low production yield of Micro LED panels, which has resulted in a high production cost of $100 per Micro LED display—substantially more expensive than displays for other smartwatches. For comparison, the display for the Google Pixel Watch costs just $21, and the total manufacturing cost for the device is $123.
Strategic Partnership with Vuzix to Optimize Display Technology
To address these challenges, Garmin has entered into a partnership with Vuzix, a Micro LED component supplier. Under the agreement, Vuzix will develop and deliver waveguide-based optical systems and custom projection engines, eventually providing mass production-ready equipment.
With Vuzix’s expertise in designing and mass-producing waveguide optical systems and nanoimprint optical systems, the partnership aims to help Garmin optimize display technology, reduce costs, and decrease the size of the display module. This breakthrough is expected to result in significant advancements in the Fenix 8 Micro LED smartwatch’s display quality, cost efficiency, and design.
AUO’s Role in Micro LED Display Production
Additionally, AUO is expected to begin supplying Micro LED panels for Garmin smartwatches in the first quarter of 2025. Initially, these panels will be used primarily in Garmin and TAG Heuer smartwatches, aligning with both companies’ positioning in the high-end market.
It is noteworthy that AUO successfully began mass production of Micro LED smartwatch displays by the end of 2023. Their first product, a 1.39-inch Micro LED smartwatch display, features a circular design tailored to smartwatch aesthetics and boasts a pixel density of up to 326 PPI, enhancing color saturation and contrast.
Advantages of Micro LED Technology and Its Future
Micro LED technology is known for its high brightness, low power consumption, high resolution, and superior contrast. These advantages make it suitable for a wide range of applications. Currently, Micro LED is primarily used in large-sized displays and AR near-eye displays. As the technology matures and costs decrease, Micro LED is expected to expand into wearable devices, automotive displays, and other emerging markets.
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