Fossil’s Gen 6 smartwatches may nonetheless be in limbo, however that isn’t ruling out some new fashions earlier than then. Fossil has handed an unnamed Put on OS watch (mannequin quantity C1N) via the FCC, hinting at a potential Gen 5 variant with built-in LTE knowledge — the corporate’s first LTE-capable smartwatch.

The FCC docs don’t reveal the potential Gen 5 design past its round show, but it surely’s clear Fossil is aiming at North American customers with LTE on frequencies for carriers like Verizon (disclaimer: this writer additionally writes for Verizon-owned Engadget). You may also count on the just about obligatory Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Google Pay-friendly NFC.

Learn extra: The most effective Fossil smartwatches

There are not any clues as to a launch date for a Fossil Gen 5 LTE smartwatch. We wouldn’t rely on a CES 2021 debut, however the timing may simply clear the trail for a launch early within the new yr.

This is likely to be barely disappointing if it isn’t Gen 6. Like many Put on OS smartwatches, Fossil’s Gen 5 {hardware} makes use of the Snapdragon Put on 3100 chip first introduced in 2018. You wouldn’t get the velocity and battery life enhancements of the Put on 4100, each of which may assist an LTE-equipped watch designed for use away out of your telephone.

With that stated, a Fossil Gen 5 with LTE may nonetheless be a viable smartwatch choice in case you don’t thoughts the ageing internals. We favored the unique mannequin due partially to Fossil’s customizations, resembling its particular battery modes and watch faces. These perks ought to stay intact. Whilst you in all probability shouldn’t rush to improve except you’ve been craving mobile knowledge in a Fossil watch, it might be justifiable in case you’re utilizing older Google-powered wristwear.