Garmin may be gearing up for a bold rethink of smartwatch controls. Fresh reports suggest the company is prototyping a rotating crown for an upcoming model—but with a twist that preserves Garmin’s hallmark durability and water resistance.
After recently pushing forward with advanced LTE features and debuting a microLED display in its latest Pro-branded watch, Garmin is said to be exploring a crown that doesn’t rely on traditional moving parts. Instead of a mechanical assembly, the prototype reportedly uses a Hall effect sensor to detect rotation through magnetic movement. By removing direct contact between mechanical and electronic components, this approach could offer smoother input, fewer points of failure, and better protection against the elements compared to conventional crowns.
Early concept imagery hints at a shift away from the brand’s familiar five-button setup. The design shown features two buttons on the left and a digital crown on the right, tucked behind a protective guard. The crown would likely work alongside, or even independently of, the touchscreen to scroll, zoom, and navigate the interface with precision—useful during workouts, in wet conditions, or when wearing gloves.
Key points to know:
– Garmin is testing a rotating crown controlled by a magnetic Hall effect sensor rather than a mechanical mechanism.
– The design aims to maintain, or even improve, water resistance and overall ruggedness.
– Concept images indicate a layout with two buttons on one side and a guarded digital crown on the other.
– The feature is rumored to debut on a mid-range model, potentially in the Venu or Vivoactive family.
– Timing remains unclear, and only concept visuals are available for now, so treat the details as early-stage.
If the magnetic digital crown makes it to market, expect a more tactile way to navigate without compromising the brand’s reputation for tough, adventure-ready wearables. For now, everything points to a thoughtful evolution: the responsiveness of a crown, the resilience of a button, and a user experience designed for fitness, outdoor, and everyday use.
