The Unlikely Contender: Garmin's Venu X1 Takes Aim at Apple's Throne

When Garmin unexpectedly unveiled the Venu X1, it wasn't just another fitness tracker iteration—it was a direct challenge to Apple's premium wearable dominance. Sporting a radical departure from Garmin's traditional circular designs, the X1's almost-square 2-inch AMOLED display immediately evokes comparisons to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, yet delivers distinctly Garmin DNA beneath its sleek exterior.

Engineering for Athletic Precision
Where Apple prioritizes lifestyle integration, Garmin doubles down on athletic utility. The X1 displays up to eight data fields simultaneously during workouts—a boon for serious athletes monitoring complex metrics. Despite the expansive screen, Garmin achieved a remarkably thin 7.9mm profile and 40-gram weight using a proprietary ComfortFit fabric band. This engineering feat makes it significantly sleeker than the Apple Watch Ultra 2 while maintaining ruggedness for trail runs and outdoor adventures.

"The Venu X1 feels like a slimmer Fenix 8 with a massive screen—it's the Garmin version of the Apple Watch Ultra I've wanted," notes ZDNET's wearables expert Matthew Miller after extensive testing.

Strategic Compromises
Battery life emerges as a key differentiator: the X1 lasts up to 8 days without always-on display (versus Apple's typical 2-3 days), though enabling constant display slashes endurance dramatically. Clever additions like a multi-level LED flashlight—positioned for quick night-run visibility—and a tip-enabled calculator show Garmin studying Apple's playbook. Yet omissions speak volumes: no cellular connectivity limits emergency capabilities, while the absence of multi-band GPS and ECG suggests Garmin prioritized form factor over maximal features.

The Developer Implications
For wearable tech developers, the X1 signals Garmin expanding its interface philosophy. Historically reliant on five-button navigation, this model embraces touch dominance with just two physical buttons—a concession to Apple converts. The inclusion of microphone/speaker for voice commands and call handling opens new voice-interaction opportunities, while the lightweight design could influence sleep-tracking algorithm development for all-day wear scenarios.

At $799.99, the Venu X1 isn't a casual purchase, but represents Garmin's most compelling crossover device yet—melding Apple's aesthetic sensibilities with hardcore athletic analytics. Its success could pressure competitors to bridge the gap between lifestyle convenience and sports-specialized functionality, potentially reshaping premium wearable development priorities industry-wide.

Source: ZDNET review by Matthew Miller, July 2025