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The Garmin Fenix 9 could possible get a new antenna design, symbolic picture of a Fenix smartwatch shown
Garmin is continuing to improve its own products, as patents that have now become public illustrate. Specifically, an improved technology could presumably lead to better positioning accuracy or stronger connection quality of smartwatches like the Garmin Fenix 9.
Patents are always an excellent way to get a look at current technological developments and possibly also the priorities of companies. These patents are basically public and show that a company is working on certain technologies. At the same time, not every patent ends up becoming a technology that is actually used.
A current and detailed report from the5krunner covers the three Garmin patents US 20260086505, US 20260088493, and US 20260086506. They were published on March 26, though they are already nearly a year old. These are three separate patents, but they are quite similar in terms of subject, which is also reflected in their respective first figures. At their core, they all deal with antenna arrangement. In mobile devices, and especially in smartwatches, that is naturally not a trivial issue because of the limited space. A large external antenna like the kind used in a Wi-Fi router simply cannot be used. At the same time, smartwatches are expected to meet high standards, for example in terms of positioning accuracy.
Patent US 20260086505 describes the use of two planar antennas. Specifically, that could mean using the bezel and the bottom of the case. Patent US 20260086506, in turn, describes how antennas can be integrated into structurally essential components themselves. Patent US 20260088493 describes an antenna with adjustable length, meaning the effective length. This is intended to allow antenna performance to be tuned for different requirements. Garmin is effectively keeping all options open in terms of the data being transmitted. These technologies could therefore be used both for positioning (GNSS) and for cellular connectivity, for example.
Improving positioning is naturally important for Garmin, with both accuracy and the robustness of position determination being relevant. If positioning does not work in the woods, the watch quickly becomes useless. We already reported on this kind of improvement in mid-2025. It is entirely possible that Garmin will integrate these technologies into the Garmin Fenix 9.
I have been active as a journalist for over 10 years, most of it in the field of technology. I worked for Tom’s Hardware and ComputerBase, among others, and have been working for Notebookcheck since 2017. My current focus is particularly on mini PCs and single-board computers such as the Raspberry Pi – so in other words, compact systems with a lot of potential. In addition, I have a soft spot for all kinds of wearables, especially smartwatches. My main profession is as a laboratory engineer, which is why neither scientific contexts nor the interpretation of complex measurements are foreign to me.
Translator: Enrico Frahn – Senior Tech Writer – 6810 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021
My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.