A general conversation about the future of MIP for our watches..

Probably like Enduro or some similar can stay MIP longest, but it's pretty much AMOLED otherwise and wouldn't be surprised that Epix is dead and Fenix 8 is AMOLED. 
I think the few that really insist MIP are not a group that is worth to serve, even Garmin has incredible amount of SKUs.

Looking at the way Garmin has callously pushed the Garmin Connect 5 through the force, I have no doubt that they will just as coolly cut the MIP.

jmto said:

I think the few that really insist MIP are not a group that is worth to serve, even Garmin has incredible amount of SKUs.

Yeah it’s amazing that Garmin has released ~200 distinct watch models (as far as CIQ is concerned) since 2015, and an even larger number of SKUs (taking color variants into account, as well as certain model variants which are indistinguishable from CIQ’s POV, like Fenix/Tactix)

Even with all this variation — which seems insane especially from modern standards — there isn’t room for MIP (except for certain lines of watches where battery life is paramount.) 

For any given Garmin watch, you can choose between different colors, and for many watches, different sizes, but no line really gives you a choice between MIP and AMOLED, except Tactix. (Yes, I know Epix is an “AMOLED Fenix”, but they don’t market it that way, do they.)

Really says a lot about how dead MIP is.

The question isn’t “will Garmin continue to split lines between AMOLED and MIP” (false premise), the real question is “how much longer will MIP survive at Garmin?”

- Forerunner went AMOLED

- Vivoactive went AMOLED

- Fenix is rumoured to be going AMOLED

- Tactix has an AMOLED version (will the next Tactix be AMOLED-only?) Maybe this will be an exception to the MIP purge since a few ppl complained that they don’t want a bright screen when doing night maneuvers

Just running races in 2023-2024, I’ve seen a lot of ppl wearing what suspiciously look like late model AMOLED Garmins (round watches with black screens, indicating it’s AMOLED with AOD disabled.) Either that or it’s Samsung Galaxy (which is pretty unlikely but would still indicate that ppl are fine with AMOLED.)

They obviously didn’t get the memo that MIP is superior.

My guess is that basically every model will be AMOLED moving forward, except for the Instinct and perhaps Enduro (if there will even be a new Enduro). I personally prefer MIP displays but have a feeling that I'm the minority and that most people prefer AMOLED displays. It would make sense for Garmin to focus on AMOLED to hopefully steal away more Apple and Samsung users. 

I doubt an Apple watch user would appreciate the screen of my Instinct 2 :)

But, we'll see with the release of the new Fenix/Epix. Who knows, maybe they'll scrap the Epix and Fenix will be AMOLED from now on.

I imagine they'll do one last, but really last, Fenix MIP.

Amoled is still working out the kinks, for me.  I just sent back a FR265 because even though I had the display off, and gestures turned off (so that the only way I can see the watch face is with a button press), it would still activate with random wrist movement.  With all gestures OFF.

I would rather the heavier fenix series MIP than be constantly annoyed at my amoled display not doing wtf it’s supposed to do.

Fenix 8 appears to be coming this fall and sadly only 1 MIP model appears to be remaining (47mm) while rest moves to AMOLED with all Fenix branding. See recent retailer leaks.

I do feel like amoled is being pushed relentlessly.  Meanwhile, I'm still pining for solid MIP options.  Never had an issue with a MIP forerunner or Fenix series, and I do love me some battery life... Sometimes I do feel like the only one not preaching amoled.  It's lonely!

you are not alone...