Garmin’s FCC filing for Cirqa has a standard 180-day confidentiality period. This window closes from approximately July 26th to 28th. After this date, the full technical specification becomes publicly available. Garmin will announce this sooner. This means this weekend and next are prime times for Garmin to inadvertently leak information on its own sites. Let’s see how well they handle their newfound information security knowledge.
The UK Intellectual Property Office moved Cirqa’s trademark to pre-publication on July 2. Trademarks at this stage appear in the Trade Marks Journal within two to three weeks, which means publication directly between July 16 and July 23. Garmin will likely try to beat this publication date.
Cirqa has already met the Q2 target our release radar set for it; perhaps the launch was delayed once the Fitbit Air was announced, or maybe the July launch was planned all along. Either way, Enduro 4 looks set to release in August.
Mid-Month, Mid-Week is Garmin’s consistent pattern for 90% of consumer hardware announcements, with Wednesday, July 15 and 22 being the primary targets, and July 14 and 21 being the likely dates when less trusted members of the press will receive the first press releases.
Beware: This is an assumption based on circumstantial evidence.
What to expect after Circa launches
The structural framework created over six months of leaks and regulations is good for an unannounced product, but lacks detailed specifications. A January product listing leak confirmed part numbers, two sizes (S/M and L/XL) and two colors (black and French grey). The 010 series part number is only assigned to final equipment sold at retail. Analysis of FCC documents confirmed the presence of Wi-Fi and BLE in a body bracelet format. Garmin Connect 5.25 app code confirmed support for dedicated, screenless devices, including background services for adjusting wear position and phone-side control.
In terms of performance, the trademark language covers recovery from physical and emotional stress, human activity levels, and performance—language that goes beyond Garmin’s existing HRV-based stress measures. The Canadian and UK trademark applications use the same language, suggesting a possible and rare EDA detection capability that Whoop does not have. It is expected that core metrics – body battery, sleep score, HRV status, training readiness – will remain free in Garmin Connect, while AI coaching or analysis functions will be implemented in Connect+.
As for price, the full price analysis modeled a reasonable range of $249 to $349. Costing less than $300, converts Whoop subscribers on a lifetime value basis. The competitive positioning compared to the Fitbit Air makes the base range ($149-$200) unviable for Garmin. Anything at the other end of the scale above $349 becomes punitive and makes it a difficult sell for buyers outside of the existing Garmin ecosystem.
Essentially: Watch on July 14, 15, 21 and 22.
Quick answers
Why are July 14, 15, 21 and 22 the dates to watch Garmin Cirqa?
Garmin’s FCC privacy window for Cirqa’s application closes around July 26-28, after which the full technical specification becomes publicly available. The UK trademark went into pre-publication on 2 July, with publication in the Trade Marks Journal expected between 16 and 23 July. Mid-month, mid-week is Garmin’s standard template for consumer hardware announcements. July 15 and 22—the main goals of the announcement; July 14 and 21 are likely press embargo dates.
What is the FCC privacy deadline for Garmin Cirqa?
FCC applications have a standard 180-day confidentiality period from the date of clearance. Given the timing of Cirqa’s initial FCC filing at the end of January 2026, this window closes approximately July 26 to July 28, 2026.
What features are expected in Garmin Cirqa?
Based on confirmed leaks and regulatory filings, Cirqa is expected to offer 24/7 heart rate monitoring, body battery, sleep scoring, HRV status, stress tracking, exercise readiness, and skin temperature. The language of the trademark application suggests possible EDA-based recognition of emotional distress, a capability that Whoop does not currently have. While core metrics are expected to remain free on Garmin Connect, Connect+ will feature advanced AI features.
How much will Garmin Circa cost?
Garmin has not confirmed pricing. The listing of the Ukrainian retailer implied from 370 to 500 dollars. When you compare Garmin’s portfolio and the competitive pressure from the $99 Fitbit Air, the justifiable range is $249 to $349. The sub-$300 price point is the most compelling argument against Whoop from a cost of living perspective.
What sizes and colors will the Garmin Cirqa be available in?
Two sizes are confirmed in a leaked product listing in January 2026: S/M for wrists from 120 to 200 mm and L/XL for wrists from 145 to 240 mm. Two colors: black and French grey.
Is Garmin Circa a Whoop competitor?
Yes, in positioning. The trademark wording covers stress recovery, alertness and productivity without mention of workout tracking – the same as Whoop. With prices ranging from $249 to $299 and free core metrics, Cirqa makes a strong case for lifetime costs against Whoop One and Peak. The trademark application also points to possible EDA recognition, a method of measuring stress that Whoop has never implemented.
Last updated: July 10, 2026 by the5krunner
My favorite kit and food
- Injinji – Runners protect their toes. Avoid discomfort and minor injuries. Run more. Run faster. I use them.
- The Garmin 90 Degree Charging Adapter is a small adapter that will keep your charging cables organized. Indispensable on competition day. I use one.
- The Garmin Charger is the fastest and most reliable way to charge your Garmin before training. I use one.
- The Ravemen FR300 is a front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your handlebars clean and the beam directed where it matters. I use one.
- The Body Glide is a blue anti-chafing stick used by all swimmers and many runners. I use this.
- Maurten – Sports nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mixtures are designed to ease the work of the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 is a rear radar light that warns of vehicles approaching from behind. Pair with Edge or Garmin watches. I use this model.
- The Favero Assioma Pro RS2 is the power metered pedal of choice for the most serious cyclists. Precise, easy to move between bikes. I use this model.
- The Garmin Forerunner 970 is a serious choice for a professional triathlon watch. I use this.
- Polar H10 is my daily assistant for accurate measurements of HRV while awake.
- The Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3 is a cycling computer that has a feature that the Garmin lacks: ease of use. I use mine on most trips.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent publication about endurance sports technology. With 20 years of hands-on testing experience in GPS watches and wearables, as well as competing in age-group triathlons internationally, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sports participants. IDENTIFIER