Smartwatch

Two recent reports have revealed more details about LTE connectivity for Garmin smartwatches. This feature has previously been linked to the rumored Fenix 8 Pro wearable. Now, the code behind the Garmin Connect app seems to provide more information about this future functionality.

Previous leaks claimed Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus would arrive carrying the same chipset as its direct predecessor, the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus. The upcoming mid-range phone has now surfaced online, clarifying the situation in the process.

A report from Apple's supply chain not only hints at exciting news about the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Watch Ultra 3, which will be launched in a few weeks, but also gives a glimpse of a major redesign that is planned for the next Apple Watch generation in 2026.

Garmin is well and truly established in the smartwatch market owing to its numerous smartwatches, among other products, and appears to be very successful in this area as well. The company has achieved significant growth in all areas, at least in terms of revenue, as recent figures show.

A number of smartwatch and smartwatch-like wearables boast stress-tracking technology as part of their health-tech bragging rights. It might not live up to the hype, however, according to new research. It claims to have found that a certain fitness tracker was unable to accurately track stress over the course of a reasonably large-scale, long-term study.

The Garmin beta version 17.27 update recently rolled out to users of some of the brand’s premium watches. This release tackles two issues, one linked to the watch face and the other to multisports activities. The related post in the Garmin forum suggests that users of the Fenix 8 and related smartwatches will be waiting a little longer for a stable release.

Amazfit’s Balance 2 smartwatch is receiving a new update: version 3.16.6.1. This release brings two optimizations for users who also own a Helio Strap fitness tracker, one of which is linked to heart rate monitoring. Plus, there are improvements for the post-workout flow, which is now smoother.

A new leak has indicated that Garmin's anticipated LTE smartwatch plans remain in development. Apparently also joined by a consolidation of its inReach satellite connectivity functionality, the result will likely yield more than just the Fenix 8 Pro that was rumoured earlier this year.

Apple has found a way to bring back blood oxygen monitoring to Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Watch Ultra 2 for the US market. Users will need to update their iPhone and their watches to the latest firmware version.

A new set of Apple Watch releases are expected to join the iPhone 17 series next month during Apple's global launch event. A new leak indicates that both the Watch Series 11 and Watch Ultra 3 will line up with the same tired chipset as previous models.

A US retailer is now selling the Amazfit Balance 2 XT smartwatch. This is a cheaper alternative to the Balance 2 smartwatch, with several software and hardware downgrades. It is listed as a 47 mm watch with an AMOLED display, up to 21 days battery life with typical use, and more than 170 sports modes.

The Pebble Time 2 will launch with a new design different from what was earlier revealed. The new and final design was revealed by Eric Migicovsky alongside new additional features.

Garmin software version 15.05 is rolling out to some smartwatch users. This stable update is said to bring updates for the newer Device Passcode and Breathing Variations tools. Plus, there are a series of bug fixes, some of which tackle issues linked to the breathwork activity and Garmin Pay.

Two Polar smartwatches are getting powerful new features with a new firmware version, including improved navigation and automatic locking. Certain bug fixes are also on board, including one that caused occasional interruptions in OHR readings during training and continuous heart rate measurement.

Garmin has taken another step toward bringing a new stable update for many of its older mid-range smartwatches. Following a beta update that landed in June, Beta Version 17.05 includes fixes for several outstanding bugs linked to Garmin's Wallet and Reference Point apps.

Garmin has released another update for two smartwatch models. System software 6.58 brings a wide range of bug fixes to these wearables, tackling issues with Last Shot and the Last Activity widget. While both the Approach S44 and Approach S50 watches get an update for the Device Passcode tool, the S50 also gets a refreshed UI for Breathing Variations.

Garmin has offered up a new update for two of its most recent mid-range smartwatches. Replacing v12.60, Public Beta Version 12.64 for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 contains numerous bug fixes, with two focused on addressing device reboots that occurred on earlier software builds.

The Amazfit T-Rex 3 smartwatch will “soon” receive a Zepp OS 5.0 update, according to a recent social media post. This high-end wearable would be the sixth from the brand to receive its latest operating system. However, precisely which Zepp OS 5 features will be pushed to the T-Rex 3 remains unclear.

A new leak has now provided information on MediaTek's launch plans for the Dimensity 9500. The next-gen flagship chipset is said to be scheduled to arrive in September, right before Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit, where the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 will make its debut.

It looks like Suunto will soon be targeting Garmin again with two new smartwatches. Not only have the Race 2 and Vertical 2 appeared in early pictures, but the former can already be seen at a Norwegian retailer complete with launch pricing.

Garmin has issued a new update for one of its latest mid-range smartwatches. For some reason, Garmin claims to have added new features that were already present in earlier builds, though.

The Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED, Instinct 3 Solar, and Instinct E smartwatches are receiving a new beta update: version 10.26. This release brings several bug fixes for these wearables, one of which tackles an issue linked to the Messenger app. Another resolves a sensor-related problem, and there is also a broader update for the sensor hub.

It looks like Garmin is finalising v17.xx development for the Fenix 8, Tactix 8 and other related smartwatches. Arriving shortly after Beta Version 17.23, Beta Version 17.25 is said to fix two notable bugs that could cause system crashes in activities.

Another Garmin wearable is receiving some of the brand’s newer features, like Device Passcode and Breathing Variations. These arrive in software version 23.09, which also brings other tools, improvements and various bug fixes to the Descent G2 watch-style dive computer.

Garmin has issued another update to its most recent high-end smartwatch series. Preceding a much larger stable update, Beta Version 17.23 addresses several outstanding bugs, including one that should improve Garmin's Morning Report experience.

Garmin has updated one of its most recent high-end smartwatches with various critical bug fixes. Distributed on the company's Beta Program for the time being as Beta 12.63, the update should resolve a rapid battery drain bug on the Venu X1 at the very least.

Pixel Watch 4 will be brighter, last longer, and charger faster than the Pixel Watch 3. There will also be deeper Gemini integration for quick AI assistant responses and conversational text suggestions.

Garmin is currently rolling out beta version 15.05 to some smartwatches. The change log mentions updates for two recently added features. Plus, five bug fixes are listed, though only the fix linked to the Garmin Pay contactless payment feature appears to be new with this release.

The Pixel Watch 3 is getting a successor in a few weeks but it is still worth buying, especially now that it is on sale. The third-gen Pixel smartwatch has a super bright display, ECG and temperature sensor, and can detect loss of pulse.

Garmin has started rolling out a new update for two of its latest smartwatches globally. Rolling out on its public Beta Program, Public Beta Version 12.60 adds a new feature for the Forerunner 970 while also introducing numerous bug fixes for both it and the Forerunner 570.

Zepp Health, the company behind the Amazfit wearables brand, has confirmed that it will release more products in 2025. It has already launched five new smartwatches this year, as well as the Helio Strap. Rumors indicate that there could be two new products in the Balance series, while some fans are hoping for a new T-Rex watch.

The latest beta version of iOS 26 contains specific details about the screen size of the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Accordingly, Apple's next-generation flagship smartwatch will get a larger display with a slightly higher resolution, which suggests that Apple will adjust the design at least a little.

Garmin has offered up a new update for its latest high-end smartwatches. The latest in a series of v17.xx builds, Beta Version 17.22 arrives with a few key changes for smartwatches like the Enduro 3, Fenix 8 and Tactix 8 ahead of a more substantial stable update that is on the horizon.

A new leak says that not all of Google's upcoming products will be available together. The Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL will hit shelves on time, but the remaining foldable and accessories will not.

Garmin has released a new update for the Epix 2, Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro and other related smartwatches. Preceding a future major stable release, Beta Version 23.08 addresses connection issues while also introducing ANT and BLE+ pairing support for certain external sensors.

Zepp’s iOS app for Amazfit wearables has been updated to version 9.10.x. In recent releases, the company has added a new nap-related tool. Plus, according to a report from an Amazfit representative, the brand’s device can now read another metric from Apple Health and Google Health Connect.

The Pixel Watch 4 series is anticipated to arrive this month alongside Google's Pixel 10 flagships. In the meantime, US pricing for the new smartwatch has appeared online relating to its 41 mm and 45 mm sizes as well as its Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity variants.

The Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED, Instinct 3 Solar, and Instinct E smartwatches are currently receiving beta version 10.21. This update is said to tackle an issue related to the GoPro remote control feature. Plus, there are also bug fixes for problems experienced by users when viewing glances and editing activities.

4G, AI, Android, a huge AMOLED, a large battery and standard health features: the features of the new Model S smartwatch sound extensive and promising. Rogbid is also offering a substantial launch discount.

Amazfit is rolling out a Zepp OS 5 update to the Active 2 (Round) smartwatch. Firmware version 6.2.6.3 is said to bring Zepp Flow 2.0, a new map dragging tool and a tap-to-wake feature. Reported by users in the US and Canada, it is expected to be released globally over the next few weeks.

Garmin has finally issued a new stable update for many of its popular mid-range smartwatches. Rolling out from today as Software Version 24.12, the new update targets the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965 with over a dozen changes from their previous stable software.

Garmin has raced ahead with a new update for its latest mid-range smartwatches. Rolling out now, the update focuses on introducing new bug fixes and minor improvements for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 before a future stable update release.

Beta version 12.59 has arrived for one of Garmin’s 2025 smartwatches. This update allows users of the wearable to test an auto-rest feature for Strength training; this was historically only available for swimming activities. Plus, vivoactive 6 smartwatches gain a new app with the release.

The Haylou Watch 4S has made its international debut as a new affordable smartwatch. It features an AMOLED display, has GPS functionality, and currently costs $70 on AliExpress.

Garmin has re-released a recent update for the Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro and other associated smartwatches. Surprisingly, the update contains completely different changes from its previous release, including two dedicated to resolving outstanding issues with Garmin's golfing activity.

Fitbit is rolling out a version 220.21 update to the Charge 6 smartwatch. The release brings three new watch faces to the device, as well as support for connection to a wider range of fitness equipment. Minor updates are also on the way to the Inspire 3, Sense 2 and Versa 4 wearables.

The Casio G-Shock GMC-B2100Y-1A watch is about to launch in the UK. Also on the way to Japan, it is described as a full metal model with a stainless steel octagonal bezel. Features include Bluetooth connectivity, Home City time swap, a stopwatch and Tough Solar charging.

The Garmin Venu X1 smartwatch has received a new beta update: version 12.59. This release brings a new app to users of the wearable, as well as automatic rest timers for one activity. On top of this, there are said to be improvements for a Golf related tool and a bug fix for the Swim activity.

Meta has not given up on its smartwatch ambitions and if the latest report is accurate, the wearable could be unveiled at the next Meta Connect event. The smartwatch is expected to come with a couple of cameras and the standard smartwatch feature set.