New Garmin smartwatch feature arrives in beta updates

Garmin has released a new beta update for the vivoactive 6, Venu 4 and Venu X1 smartwatches. Beta version 16.16 arrives around ten days after the last release in the testing cycle, beta version 16.14. This earlier update upgraded Garmin Connect Mobile (GCM) Translations to version 3.40.

With beta version 16.16, users of the Garmin Venu X1, Venu 4 and vivoactive 6 smartwatches get a new Garmin Connect+ nutrition logging feature. This functionality was officially announced in early January 2026. It enables users to track food related data like calories and macros by scanning food items in the brand’s app. Users can view daily, weekly, monthly and annual reports, and receive AI-generated insights on how their nutrition is affecting their health.

It is worth noting that, as this is a Connect+ feature, it is only available for users paying for a Garmin Connect+ subscription priced at $6.99 per month. Plus, tests carried out by the5krunner and DC Rainmaker have flagged several issues with this feature.

Users of the Garmin Venu 4, Venu X1 and vivoactive 6 smartwatch (curr. $299.99 at Amazon) who are signed up to the beta program can now download beta version 16.16 by going to Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates. It is unclear when a stable update of software version 16.xx, should include a wider range of new features, will reach all users.