Garmin smartwatches are widely considered some of the best money can buy, especially for serious fitness enthusiasts. In fact, Garmin virtually dominates the market for high-end smartwatches, defined as smartwatches costing $500 or more. If you’ve invested in a Garmin smartwatch (or any other brand, for that matter), it’s natural to wonder how long your device will actively receive software updates and support.
Typically, Garmin watches receive regular software updates until a new model is released. This typically equates to two to three years of consistent updates, especially for some of Garmin’s popular product lines like the Vivoactive and Fenix. Currently, several Garmin smartwatch models receive regular software updates, including the Forerunner (170, 570, 70, 970), Fenix 8/Fenix 8 Pro, Fenix 9/Fenix 9 Pro, Venu (4, the model.
What is the average battery life and lifespan of a Garmin watch?
Battery life for Garmin watches varies greatly depending on the model you buy. The Lily 2 and Lily 2 Classic can last five days in smartwatch mode on a single charge. However, some high-end models from Garmin, like the Fenix 8 and Enduro 3, can last more than 30 days on a single charge. The Vivofit and Vivofit Jr. can last up to a year on a single charge. With solar charging, the Instinct 3 technically has unlimited battery life. This is one of the advantages of a Garmin smartwatch over an Apple Watch.
The total lifespan of a Garmin watch can vary greatly depending on how often you use it and under what conditions. For example, a smartwatch used by an avid swimmer may have a slightly shorter lifespan than the same watch owned by a non-swimmer due to constant exposure to pool chemicals or salt water. Based on reviews and reports on forums like Reddit, three to six years seems to be a typical lifespan.
Personally, I can attest to the quality of Garmin watches. I have a Vivoactive 3 that still works well, even though it’s almost a decade old. It’s missing several of Garmin’s newer features, but the watch itself is still in very good condition.
How do I check if my Garmin needs a software update?
The easiest way to ensure you get every update is to opt for automatic software updates. This is the default setting for most Garmin smartwatches, and you can turn it off in the Garmin Connect app settings if you prefer to install updates manually. When a new update is available, you will receive a notification via the Garmin Connect app. You can then choose when to install the update.
You can also use the Garmin Express app on Windows and Mac computers. This application will notify you when a software or map update is available. It will also help you install updates by providing instructions tailored to your Garmin device. Additionally, Garmin posts information about important new software updates on its blog or via press releases, and you can also sign up for Garmin emails to receive the latest news on software and map updates delivered to your inbox.
