How Long Do Garmin Smartwatches Get Software Support?

Garmin smartwatches are widely considered some of the best that money can buy, especially for serious fitness enthusiasts. In fact, Garmin practically dominates the premium smartwatch market, defined as smartwatches that cost $500 or more. If you've invested in a Garmin smartwatch (or any other brand, for that matter), it's natural to be curious how long your device will actively receive software updates and support.

Generally, 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 the 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, X1), Vivoactive 6 and Instinct 3. Bug fixes and other minor updates may continue to be released for several years, regardless of the model.

Garmin watches vary widely in battery life depending on the model you buy. The Lily 2 and Lily 2 Classic can last for five days in smartwatch mode on a single charge. However, some of Garmin's higher-end models, like the Fenix 8 and the Enduro 3, can last over 30 days on a single charge. The Vivofit and Vivofit Jr. can last up to one year on a single charge. With solar charging, the Instinct 3 technically has an unlimited battery life. This is one benefit of a Garmin smartwatch compared to an Apple Watch.

The total lifespan of a Garmin watch may vary significantly based on how often you use it and under what conditions. For instance, a smartwatch used by a dedicated swimmer may have a slightly shorter lifespan than the same watch owned by a non-swimmer because of consistent exposure to pool chemicals or saltwater. Three to six years appears to be a typical lifespan, based on reviews and reports from forums like Reddit.

Personally, I can attest to the quality of Garmin watches. I have a Vivoactive 3 that still works well, even though it's nearly a decade old. It is lacking several of Garmin's newest features, but the watch itself is still in great shape.

The easiest way to ensure that you get every update is to opt in 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'll receive a notification through the Garmin Connect app. You can then choose when to install the update.

Alternatively, you can use the Garmin Express app on Windows and Mac computers. This app 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 publishes news about significant new software updates on its blog or through press releases, and you can also sign up for emails from Garmin to get the latest news about software and map updates sent to your inbox.