New Instinct is around the corner?

Probably not - more an indication of an overstock situation.

Back in January, there was a software “leak” that seemed to signify that a “Solar” version of the Instinct was being worked on. The validity of that software update couldn’t be verified though but the source of the leak was a reliable source in the past.

That said, Garmin “Traditionally” releases new products on 1 1/2-2 year cycles, so theoretically it would be released around the October timeframe with plenty of “sales” to reduce inventory. But since COVID-19 has pretty much changed everything we know, who knows at this point what Garmin will do or how their plans have changed due to factories being shut down worldwide.

I remember hearing a similar leak about something someone found in the Fenix software code that suggested a "Fenix 6 Sport" model coming out soon. I think it was like 6 months ago... still no Fenix 6 Sport. So mentions of models in software don't necessarily mean there's going to be an imminent release of a new model.

That said, the Instinct has been around for quite a while now, so logic says a new version of it is probably coming out soon.

A sale doesn't indicate anything - even after a new model comes out, they keep making the old ones for a while. I'm pretty sure they're still making Fenix 5's (because people are still buying them), even though the 6 has been out for like 8 months now.

I remember that too, but it’s been quiet so far :/