Garmin officially has started distributing this year's third quarterly update for selected smartwatches and cycling computers EdgeThe package brings a number of improvements in the areas of voice control, safety, training functions and sports profiles. Owners of the series can especially enjoy Fenix 8 to Venu 4.
The update is separate from the features of the newly introduced series Fenix 9 (such as Garmin Epic, improved stamina, or watch face editor), which are planned to be ported to older models by Q4 2026 or Q1 2027.
Main news and feature overview:
Hands-free voice control ("OK, Garmin")
- It allows you to run timers, activities, and other commands without having to press a button.
- The “phone assistant” command switches control to the voice assistant on your phone.
- Supported models are Venu X1, Venu 4, D2 Air X15, Forerunner 570 and 970, family Fenix 8 (Fenix 8, Fenix 8 Pro, tactix 8, quatix 8/Pro, D2 Mach 2/Pro).
- Due to the absence of a speaker and microphone, the function is missing on Fenix E, vívoactive 6 and Enduro 3.
All-day fall detection
- At the model Venu 4, you can now automatically send a message with your location to emergency contacts not only during sports, but continuously throughout the day (requires a paired phone).
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Smarter training and smaller updates
Quick Workout will design a workout tailored to your physical fitness – just choose the time and desired intensity. Plans Garmin Run Coach focuses on lower volumes and a method of alternating running with walking. Plans dynamically adapt based on recovery and health data. These two innovations receive Venu X1, Venu 4, vívoactive 6, D2 Air X15, Forerunner 570/970 series Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 (models Forerunner 70/170/170 Music already have these functions).
- XC Ski Indoor: New sport profile designed for indoor cross-country ski trainers (available for Venu X1, Venu 4, vívoactive 6, Forerunner 70/170/570/970, Fenix 8 and Enduro 3).
- Sharing dive settings: Diving models (Fenix 8 without E version, tactix 8, quatix 8, D2 Mach 2) can share dive configuration via Garmin Share.
- Outdoor Live Activity: Real-time tracking with Connect+ subscription extends from indoor to outdoor workouts (supported by all mentioned watches and a number of Instinct E/3/Crossover AMOLED).
- Enduro Ride for Edge: Cycle computers Edge MTB, 550, 850 and 1050 gain automatic recognition of climbs and descents in the Enduro profile without the need for manual wheel compression.
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Q3 Update 2026 shows that Garmin is not slowing down in its software care. It is positive to see that it is still focusing on the older line Fenix 8, because after the introduction of a new version, it is usually abandoned. This year, it is finally different. The addition of voice "OK, Garmin" is a great step towards contactless convenience, which you will especially appreciate when wearing gloves or while driving.
Another pleasant surprise is the expansion of dynamic Quick Workouts and adaptive Run Coach plans, which aim for efficiency and regeneration without unnecessarily complicated planning. Overall, this is a very solid package of new features that squeezes more out of the older hardware generation. maximum until the promised big load of features arrives from Fenix 9.
