Garmin's Popular Watches Miss Out on New Features

In the world of tech, obsolescence is an unfortunate reality. Garmin has recently confirmed that some of its most beloved Forerunner and Fenix watches will fall short of receiving exciting new enhancements, and here's why you might want to pay attention.

Thanks to investigative insights from DC Rainmaker, it’s come to light that models such as the Forerunner 965, the Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, and Epix Pro are being left in the dust when it comes to upgrades. Meanwhile, lucky owners of the newer Fenix 8, Enduro 3, and Tactix 8 watches will be welcomed to the party with all the latest features.

What Features Are You Missing Out On?

Now, the burning question: what exactly won’t you get? While gadgets like the Fenix 7 Pro boast an array of functions that many users may find overly complicated, the new additions are certainly intriguing.

For instance, the absence of the Running Tolerance feature could be a letdown for those of you struggling with injuries. This feature focuses on evaluating your running beyond mere mileage or distance, helping to gauge how different intensities impact your body.

Additionally, the Fenix 7 series will not include the innovative Triathlon Coach mode, designed to optimize workouts across running, cycling, and swimming according to your current physical condition—an impressive feat that’s hard even for seasoned athletes.

A Closer Look at Missing Features

Other features left out for older models are a range of functionalities that could enhance your outdoor adventures. You won’t see MultiSport workouts synced from the Garmin Connect app, Impact Load analysis, ovulation tracking integrated with skin temperature, or Autolap functionalities linked to timing gates—ideal for race-day scenarios where you might forget to stop tracking.

If you’ve invested in the Forerunner 965 or Fenix 7, you’ll also miss out on new running analysis stats when coupled with Garmin’s latest HRM 600 chest strap, which promises to elevate performance tracking.

Is Garmin Moving On Too Quickly?

With the Fenix 7 Pro being just two years old, many owners might feel that Garmin is abandoning them too early. It’s crucial to note that while these models won’t receive all the latest features, Garmin is not discontinuing support. They will continue to get updates, just not every shiny new addition.

When I previously asked Garmin about which features would roll out to older watches, they hinted at a significant software overhaul with the Fenix 8 that could restrict older models from accessing certain upgrades. Is this a reasonable explanation? It looks like a convenient excuse for many tech enthusiasts.

Ultimately, whether you’re a proud owner of the Fenix 7 or looking to upgrade, it’s essential to stay informed about these changes to make sure your investment continues to meet your athletic needs.