The changes to the Fenix 9 series are most easily grouped into two buckets: Hardware changes and software changes. While this has always been true in the past, the biggest change here is that unlike past generational leaps where Garmin ditched the existing models for software updates, the Fenix 9 doesn’t make that ditch. Instead, all existing Fenix 8 series devices will get virtually all the software updates (minus a few that are hardware-dependent). Even further, those changes will also go to the majority of same-platform non-Fenix watches too, such as the Forerunner 970, Venu X1, Forerunner 570, and many more within the newer common GarminOS (semi-official name) platform.
Now, I’ll have plenty more Fenix 9 details over the next while…once I untangle the giant box of Fenix 9 units that’s been stuck in customs jail for a while. Win some, lose some….
The Software Changes:
When it comes to new software features, as noted above, virtually all of these are coming to the Fenix 8 series, Enduro 3, Tactix 8, as well as Forerunner 970/570, Fenix E, and Venu X1 series. A portion of them also to the Venu 5, Vivoactive 6, and other features further to other ‘new platform’ devices. As a quick reminder, last summer (2025) leading up two the Fenix 8 Pro launch, Garmin consolidated their software platform behind the scenes. While each brand has slight user interface (visual) differences/stylings, the codebase is now consolidated. That’s resulted in virtually all watches on the platform getting virtually all new features (save some saved for higher end devices).
Historically though, each time Garmin ‘jumped’ a model version, it would ditch the old one. For example, Fenix 6 devices didn’t get Fenix 7 or Fenix 7 Pro features. Fenix 7/7Pro devices didn’t get new Fenix 8 or Fenix 8 Pro features. Within the same numbering, they would, but outside of that, tough luck.
This shift represents a *MASSIVE* change for Garmin. While the dust is still settling, it can’t be overstated enough as to how big a change this is. It means if you have a Fenix 8 watch, you’ll get almost all these features. Same for a Forerunner 970 watch. For something like the Forerunner 570, it’ll get those that are ‘applicable’ to the watch. For example, the Forerunner 570 didn’t do Stamina, so it wouldn’t get the expanded Stamina features. Same goes for mapping things, since it didn’t do mapping.
The only caveat on the Fenix 8, is that it won’t get the items listed in the Mapping sections below. The reason is apparently tied to an entirely new mapping engine under the covers, which is specific to the Fenix 9 series. The Fenix 9 Pro has a newer processor (than the Fenix 9 base), which accounts for further mapping speed increases. Likewise, the re-named satellite battery modes aren’t going to other devices, but honestly I see that as a good thing (more on why later on). And finally, the new archery feature (ArcheryX), won’t go back to other watches.
Finally, there’s further features which are lit-up for even earlier watches (via Garmin Connect), such as the Garmin Epic feature, the Endurance Score expansions, Messenger FindMyPeoples update, etc…
Not a single feature here requires Garmin Connect+, which is notable. In any case, diving into all these software-specific changes (both on-device, and via Garmin Connect app):
– Added new Garmin Epic feature, which groups multi-day events/adventures (both on-device, and Garmin Connect)
– New Stamina zone concept (see below, both on-watch and on Garmin Connect)
– Added New Stamina Endurance time concept
– Added New Stamina trending feature (on Garmin Connect)
– Added New Running & Cycling Stamina graphs/curves
– Added New Rucking/Pack-Weight calorie breakout for activities (in multiple sport profiles)
– Revamped algorithms around pack-weight, to more accurately cover calorie impacts
– Added New Rucking target calculator on-watch: Can tell you how far you need to go for a certain goal & pack weight
– Added ability to change pack-weight mid-activity
– Added Dedicated Rucking Reports (summarizing pack weight, calories, elevation, pace)
– Added Rucking Multisport mode option
– Added New on-device Rucking structured workouts with GoRuck
– Added New Ski Erg Profile (officially called ‘XC Ski Indoor’)
– Huge update/change for Indoor Rowing
– Added new heart rate zones for rowing, and max heart rate
– Added new power zones and power curves for running
– Added new indoor rowing FTP values/estimation
– Added new indoor rowing VO2Max values
– Added lactate threshold for rowing, and performance condition
– Added indoor rowing activity profile countdown timer (5-second timer, to let you get ready)
– Added support for indoor rowing to update Training Status (e.g. Productive, unproductive, etc…)
– Added new Garmin Locate feature within Garmin Messenger app
– Added ability to see athlete heart rate, pace, distance, elevation information in Garmin Messenger App
– Added inReach weather updates feature (get weather updates via satellite)
– Added Rolling GAP as a data field (both kilometer and mile)
– Added Rolling GAP as a structured workout target option
– Added new on-device watch face editor (AMOLED only models)
– Added new ‘Field Tools’ feature, including ABC, measure height, reference point, and more.
I outline all of these features in the video up above, one-by-one, on how they all work, and more details on each one. I’ll expand out this post shortly with more photos/etc…stay tuned!
Note that for features like Epic, you can go right now into Garmin Connect Mobile and build that out for past adventures with any watch. I did that today, for my Tour du Mont Blanc adventure in 2022, based on older Garmin Fenix 7, Enduro 2, and Forerunner 955 watches. Only the on-device summary pieces need newer hardware.
Fenix 9 Series Features Only:
Now there are a few features that aren’t coming to the earlier units, for slightly different reasons each. Here’s the quick version, and then I’ll explain why:
– Added new Dynamic Battery modes, which basically simplify the naming of the satellite modes
– Removed forced multi-band satellite option (all versions now have a variant of SatIQ)
– Mapping: New Perspective view (sorta a tilted map view)
– Mapping: Smoother/faster zoom
– Mapping: More responsive heading updates (orientation)
– Added new ArcheryX feature
For the mapping-related ones, Garmin says those depend on an entirely new mapping engine on the Fenix 9. That new mapping engine leverages hardware differences on the Fenix 9, including 50% more memory, more storage, plus on the Fenix 9 Pro variant, there’s an entirely new processor. Garmin did note that the differences between the map panning/etc speeds from Fenix 9 base to Fenix 9 Pro aren’t actually that different (the claim is 30-40% faster panning and calculation speeds over the Fenix 8, to the Fenix 9 Pro. Meaning, the bulk of these speeds are coming from the rewrite and likely more memory.
As for the new Dynamic battery modes, these are mostly just a renaming of existing modes, and removing the forced multi-band option. Garmin says they’re standardizing all battery claims on all new products going forward on this set of four modes, seen below:
I get the reason they don’t want to push these battery mode names back to older units, is that then it forces them to re-do all the battery claims for every model. Which, I think we can all agree would be a giant pain in the ass. It wouldn’t change the underwritten claims, but rather, just rename the modes slightly. So, fair enough.
As for the ArcheryX feature, well…upsell gonna upsell! That said, I’m OK to let the Robinhood folks take one for the team, with us being the team. Sorry folks, I do still think you’re cool!
Going Forward:
It’s hard to overstate how big a shift this is for Garmin. This is the first time in…well…probably the last 15+ years, where Garmin has brought features back to a different wearable product generation. There were times in the Edge cycling units where features did go back to previous generations in certain scenarios, but even that wasn’t really seen as a single cohesive product grouping.
Whereas now, Garmin looks at the firmware for these models as a single group: The Fenix 8/8 Pro/9/9Pro/etc variants alongside that of the other ‘modern’ models from the Forerunner and Venu lineups. Obviously, this won’t help Fenix 6 or Fenix 7 users. Nor will it help variants like the Instinct 3 series that are dancing to their own tune. But a *ton* of derivative Garmin models (think Tactix, Approach, etc…) all are based on the newer core GarminOS common operating system.
Point being, myself and many others have given Garmin a pretty hard time on this over the years. Heck, I just shot a Pixel Watch 5 In-Depth Review last night where I gave Garmin a hard time for this. This changes that. But hopefully, it also sticks. Only time will tell.
Speaking of time, there isn’t yet a super-clear public schedule for when the firmware updates to existing devices will roll out. I’m awaiting word whether it’s the very-near-term quarterly maintenance release (which would be any day/week now), or the following one later this fall. I’ll update once I have word.
With that – thanks for reading, and stay tuned for plenty more in-depth testing and thoughts on the Fenix 9 very shortly. Well, UPS willing…
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