Garmin details major new updates rolling out to many of its popular smartwatches
A few weeks ago, Garmin announced its next major software update for existing smartwatches. Arriving in the wake of the Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro, the update was billed as adding several new features to older models across Garmin's Enduro, Fenix, Forerunner, Instinct, Vivoactive and Venu series.
As we discussed at the time, the company tends to take a couple of weeks to fully roll out these new features. For instance, the Fenix 8 has started receiving these changes, as have the cheaper Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 (curr. $749 on Amazon). To mark these rollouts, Garmin has now published a short video providing an overview of the major changes contained within its Q3 2026 Feature Update.
Embedded below, the video breaks this quarter's update package into seven key areas. Specifically, Garmin has focused on hands-free voice controls, Run Coach Plan Options, its Quick Workout Feature, the XC Ski Indoor Activity, Garmin Share for Dive Computers and All Day Fall Detection. Moreover, Garmin has added Enduro Mode for Edge Cycling Computers.
It is worth noting that some features will not be making their way to all smartwatches. For example, the Fenix E, Enduro 3, Vivoactive 6, Instinct 3 series and Garmin's cheaper Forerunner smartwatches will not receive hands-free voice control functionality. Please see the video below for more details.
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