Garmin is back with another update, and this one’s a biggie. If you’re rocking a Garmin smartwatch, chances are you’re about to get some cool new features that take your experience to the next level.
And the best part? Most of them are totally free. But there are also a couple of shiny new perks tucked behind a $6.99/month subscription.
Let’s break down what’s new, what’s free, and what’s part of the new Garmin Connect+ premium tier.
First, Which Watches Are Getting These Features?
Garmin’s rolling this out to a bunch of its latest models, including:
- Fenix 8
- Forerunner Series
- Instinct 3
- Lily 2 Active
- Venu 3
And possibly a few more. If your watch isn’t listed, don’t lose hope—it might still get the update.
Just make sure you’ve got auto-updates turned on and sync your watch with the Garmin Connect app.
5 Free Garmin Smartwatch Update Everyone’s Talking About
Here’s what you’ll get without spending an extra dime:
1. Breathing Variations
Ever wonder how your breathing changes while you sleep? Garmin now uses your Pulse Ox2 sensor to track that and give you better health insights. It’s subtle but super useful.
2. Rucking Activity
If you’re into weighted hikes or military-style workouts, this is for you. You can now manually log your pack weight for better tracking of calories, heart rate, and pace. Yep, even your rucking sessions count now!
3. Pack Weight Input
This one’s for runners, hikers, and anyone carrying gear. You can enter your load weight for more accurate fitness metrics, especially for things like VO2 Max.
4. Passcode Lock
Finally—Garmin now lets you lock your watch with a passcode. It even detects when it’s back on your wrist to unlock automatically. Great for keeping your data safe if you ever take your watch off in public.
5. Stage Timer
This one’s a niche but cool feature for competitive shooters. It delivers time alerts through either your watch speaker or connected hearing protection. Handy for staying on track during training or matches.
And Now for the Premium Stuff (a.k.a. Garmin Connect+)
Garmin has also introduced a couple of new premium features under its Garmin Connect+ subscription. It’s $6.99/month (or cheaper if you go annual), and there’s a 30-day free trial to test the waters.
Garmin Trails (for hikers and explorers)
Love hiking? This feature helps you discover new trails based on filters like difficulty, dog-friendliness, and terrain. You’ll even get trail reviews, elevation info, and more—right on your watch or app.
Garmin Golf Membership (for weekend warriors)
Golfers, you’re going to love this. With the Connect+ plan, watches like the Venu 3 now get CourseView maps, PlaysLike distances, and all the features usually reserved for Garmin’s golf watches. It’s a big upgrade if golf is your thing.
Final Thoughts: Free Wins, But Premium Has Its Perks
Sure, some people may grumble about the paywall, but honestly, the free stuff alone is pretty great—especially the breathing tracker, passcode lock, and rucking features.
If you’re a serious hiker or golfer, though, those Connect+ features might be worth the small monthly cost.
Either way, it’s great to see Garmin keeping things fresh. Just don’t forget to sync your watch and keep those updates enabled so you don’t miss out.
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