Counterpoint Research forecasts more than $1 trillion in cumulative consumer wearables revenue between 2026 and 2032, with revenue growing 12% annually while unit shipments grow 6%.
Garmin’s core business sits in the slowest-growing part of that forecast. Counterpoint puts smartwatches and earbuds at $558 billion combined, the largest revenue pool, with smartwatch value growth seemingly evermore dependent on premium sensors and on-device AI rather than volume. A Forerunner or Fenix buyer knows that Garmin already owns this category. Growth has to come from selling that customer a second device.
Counterpoint research shows that the industry’s 12% revenue growth is largely due to preventive health. That is one market CIRQA targets without asking existing customers to give up their watch.
Smart rings are another fast-growing category in the forecast, albeit from a small base. The existence of a planned Garmin CIRQA Smart Ring is already leaked and known, which would give Garmin a direct position against Oura, Samsung and Ultrahuman.
Smart eyewear is the fastest-growing category Counterpoint identifies, projected to reach $44 billion by 2032, close to a fifth of total wearables revenue. Counterpoint splits the market into two segments: display-less camera-and-audio glasses, where Meta is leading, and AR display glasses, which capture more value and are the natural home for a sports HUD. Garmin has been here before. It built Varia Vision in 2016 before shelving the product. Engo now occupies the sports end of the market. Garmin’s CEO wouldn’t rule out new form factors on the last earnings call, and this site has previously received indications that Garmin is planning a microLED HUD – either for running, cycling or swimming.
Garmin seems to be investing in the right product areas for future growth.
Quick answers
Is the Garmin CIRQA a Whoop competitor?
Yes. CIRQA is a screenless band for recovery, sleep and readiness tracking, priced at $199.99 with no compulsory subscription. It targets the same buyers as Whoop, without the annual fee.
Is Garmin making smart glasses?
No smart glasses have been confirmed. Garmin built a heads-up display, Varia Vision, in 2016 and discontinued it, and Engo now occupies the sports HUD market. Counterpoint forecasts smart eyewear revenue of $44 billion by 2032, and Garmin’s CEO has not ruled out new form factors.
What new wearable categories is Garmin entering?
Garmin launched the CIRQA band in 2026, a CIRQA Smart Ring has leaked through a certification filing, and a return to smart eyewear remains possible. Each targets a faster-growing category than the smartwatch market Garmin already leads.
Last Updated on 20 August 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Injinji – Runners protect your toes. Avoid discomfort and minor injury. Run more. Run faster. I use them.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — A small keyring adapter you can use anywhere. Essential when away. I use one.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session. I use one.
- Ravemen FR300 — Front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters. I use one.
- Body Glide – The blue anti-chafe stick that all swimmers and many runners use. I use it.
- Maurten — The race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mixes engineered to be easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — A radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Wahoo. I use this model.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — The power-meter pedals most serious cyclists choose. Accurate, easy to move between bikes. I use this model.
- Garmin Forerunner 970 — A serious choice for a pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Polar H10 — My daily driver for accurate, waking HRV readings.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3 — The bike computer that has the feature Garmin lacks: usability. I use mine on most rides.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
