Garmin's big software update is inbound, but these older watches will miss
out see if your Forerunner, Fenix, or Vivoactive is on the list

Date:
Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Description:
Owners of relatively recent Garmin watches may be disappointed to learn that they don't get the new features in the Q2 update.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Garmin's feature update for Q2 2026 is now rolling out It brings a clutch of new features, including golf
tag support, a stocks tracker and recovery feature and more besides for
some watches However, some relatively recent Garmin watches miss out here Garmin has announced a new feature update for its watches, although the catch is that only more recent devices will benefit.

As Gadgets and Wearables spotted , the Q2 2026 update pertains to not just Garmin watches , but also cycling computers, and it's rolling out from now (over the "coming weeks", and as ever with rollouts, the time it takes to arrive on your device may vary). What new features are there? On the golfing front, one addition is Approach CT1 tag compatibility for certain watches, which means those devices can pair with Garmin's NFC club tags (to track the golf club used with the shot distance and other stats). Latest Videos From Watch full video here:

The following watches will benefit from this thanks to the Q2 update: Fenix 8 Fenix 8 Pro Enduro 3 Tactix 8 Quatix 8 Quatix 8 Pro D2 Mach Other features already present on some watches are added to other Garmin models with this update, and that includes Premium Golf Features (via the Garmin Golf Membership), which will become available on the Garmin Venu 4 , Vivoactive 6, and D2 Air X15. You may like Garmin reveals its Garmin Forerunner 70 and Garmin Forerunner 170 'easy-to-use' running watches Weve tested the best Garmin watches through runs, rides and workouts to show which ones are worth your money. What's the difference between the Garmin smartwatch ranges?

If you own a Garmin Instinct 3, Instinct Crossover AMOLED, or Instinct E, you'll receive the Stocks Tracker and Mobility Activity features with this update. Those watches will also get the Workout Execution Score
functionality, except for the Garmin Instinct E, which misses out here. Troubleshooting bonus (Image credit: Garmin) There's also a new Recovery Mode feature a troubleshooting function to recover the watch after a software glitch which Gadgets and Wearables informs us is coming to several of Garmin's watch ranges. That includes the Venu 4, Venu X1, Vivoactive 6, D2
Air X15, Forerunner 570 and 970, along with Fenix 8 models, and the Fenix E. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our
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On the bike computer front, the Q2 update provides support to connect compatible eBikes with Bosch smart systems to your Edge cycling computer to view info like the battery level, power and cadence data, and smart range routing. On-device Gear Tracking is also being added to those Edge bike computers.

Owners of relatively recent Garmin watches are going to be disappointed that they aren't getting these features, no doubt. For example, there's nothing
for Venu 3 owners here, or the Vivoactive 5 or Fenix 7 models, and others besides.

That doesn't mean these slightly older devices are left completely out in the cold, as while they may not be visited with feature additions, they won't be left without software fixes. It's likely a small consolation, though, especially considering the substantial outlay for some of these gadgets. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Today's best smartwatch
deals Garmin Instinct 3 349.99 274.50 View See all prices Google Pixel Watch
4 449 300 View See all prices Apple Watch 11 369 299 View See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/garmins-big-software-upd ate-is-inbound-but-these-older-watches-will-miss-out-see-if-your-forerunner-fe nix-or-vivoactive-is-on-the-list


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