Alert Garmin G4X to be announced July 8th? (Actual name AXIS)

[Neal]

I saw posts on social media and checked Garmin's website. Also notice no software updates in quite a while for the G3X, I think it's fully baked.

Garmin

www.garmin.com

Something Revolutionary is Coming​

Join us for a special virtual launch event at 10 a.m. CDT (15:00 UTC) on July 8, 2026. Use the Notify Me option on YouTube® to set a reminder to watch our premiere.

You’ll see why your dream panel will never look the sam​

 

[Neal]

 

[ve6yeq]

I saw posts on social media and checked Garmin's website. Also notice no software updates in quite a while for the G3X, I think it's fully baked.

I hope that it is mostly a hardware revision and that the software shares a code base with the G3X / G3X Touch so that the G3X Touch (at least the experimental versions) keep getting improvements. It would be sad if Garmin stops all support for the G3X Touch just so that they can “force” people into a hardware upgrade.

 

[Cactus Charlie]

It would be sad if Garmin stops all support for the G3X Touch just so that they can “force” people into a hardware upgrade.

I would expect Garmin to at least fix known defects in G3X Touch software. Also Gamin has been successful, in part, because they re-use code across multiple platforms.

I'm confident there will be G3X Touch software updates in the future.

What is of more interest to me is how G4X Touch, if it exists, will be compatible with G3X Touch systems. I would expect a new GDU with more processing power that is a drop in replacement for the GDU 46x. Perhaps it will have an additional connector to provide more interfaces. I have used every available RS-232 interface and would like more.

 

[Neal]

Watching now. It's called AXIS. It is mounting compatible with G3X (GDU) mounts and cutouts.

 

[Neal]

Garmin

Next-generation flight displays for experimental and Class I/II certified aircraft with optional built-in IFR GPS/NAV/COMM and audio panel.

garmin.com

Looks interesting and a much needed modernization. Not sure I'd pay to or go through an upgrade of an existing plane, the G3X works well, but I'd be curious of the cost. It will be interesting how manufacturers will handle planes in production now and allow for the upgrade?

 

[Neal]

I think it would be wise for manufacturers such as CubCrafters to come up with an upgrade plan and pricing and send to current customers. It would be a good revenue opportunity in a slow market like we're in now.

 

[Neal]

Here come the videos:

 

[Cactus Charlie]

I did not hear any mention of connector pin compatibility with existing GDU 46x.

This screen grab shows the various connector configurations -

 

[Tsquared]

I think it would be wise for manufacturers such as CubCrafters to come up with an upgrade plan and pricing and send to current customers. It would be a good revenue opportunity in a slow market like we're in now.

Agreed, but I’m not going to hold my breath.

It does look like a really nice piece of kit and if I was in the middle of a build, I’d look seriously at switching to Axis

 

[Cactus Charlie]

The AXIS main feature seems to that it can, optionally, integrate systems that previously required separate LRU (COM radio and GPS IFR navigator).

From a systems availability point of view that may be fine if you have at least two displays that have that functionality.

For a single display system, as in the CubCrafters aircraft, I would find that lack of redundancy unacceptable. If the GDU fails now in my FX-3 I have lost engine indications and the ability to change the transponder squawk code. I still have IFR NAV capability, can fly a coupled RNAV approach, and have full use of my COM radio.

 

[Neal]

Agreed, but I’m not going to hold my breath.

It does look like a really nice piece of kit and if I was in the middle of a build, I’d look seriously at switching to Axis

More modern is always nice, the G3X is quite ancient from the tech perspective but I have to say it performs its task well and I'm very comfortable with it, still learning things with it and think it's a solid avionics component. I haven't heard if SiriusXM will be in the AXIS components or not.

At this point for newer planes it could be a resale issue. Just like glass panels, people want the latest and greatest too. At some point I guess you just have to stop caring and just enjoy what you have.