Garmin Fenix 8 & Enduro 3 to get Forerunner 970 tools while others miss out
Garmin has confirmed that select features introduced with the Forerunner 970 and 570 will make their way to a few other premium models. But that’s pretty much where it ends. Most of the company’s range will not be getting the same treatment.
Older Garmin watches left out of latest feature rollout
A new post by DC Rainmaker reveals that many of the features introduced on the Forerunner 970 and 570 will be coming to the Fenix 8, Enduro 3, and tactix 8 via future firmware updates.
The list includes a mix of advanced running metrics, training tools and more. Features like Running Tolerance, Impact Load Factor, and Autolap by timing gates are there to expand how Garmin users monitor their performance. The company has also introduced a more predictive race planning tool, an upgraded Running Economy metric, along with a Garmin-branded triathlon coaching system. All of these debuted on the Forerunner 970, and some on the 570.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
The surprise twist is not just what’s being added, but what isn’t. Owners of the Fenix 7 Pro, Epix Pro, Forerunner 965, and 265 won’t be seeing these features. Nor will any of the other Garmin devices – apart from the above-mentioned trio.
Let’s break down what is actually planned.
Feature | Forerunner 970 | Forerunner 570 | Fenix 8, Enduro 3, Tactix 8 | All other Garmin devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Running Tolerance | Yes | No | Planned | No |
Impact Load Factor | Yes | No | Planned | No |
Autolap by Timing Gates | Yes | Yes | Planned | No |
Suggested Finish Line | Yes | No | Planned | No |
Projected Race Time Predictor | Yes | Yes | Planned | No |
Step Speed Loss (requires HRM 600) | Yes | No | Planned | No |
Running Economy (requires HRM 600) | Yes | No | Planned | No |
Garmin Triathlon Coach | Yes | No | Planned | No |
Multisport Structured Workouts | Yes | Yes | Planned | No |
Improved Ovulation Predictions (temp) | Yes | Yes | Planned | No |
Our takeaway
Garmin has, reportedly, said they can’t guarantee a timeline or even full feature parity across models. But if history is any indication, the promised updates for the Fenix 8 and others will eventually arrive, even if it takes a few months. Probably as part of the next quarterly firmware update.
That’s unlikely to sit well with users who just bought a Fenix 7 Pro or Epix Pro in the past year. Garmin appears to be leaning back toward its older playbook: meaningful software upgrades now seem reserved for the latest hardware.
This will sound familiar to long-time Garmin users. Back in the day, most significant software additions were tied to hardware refreshes. In recent years Garmin softened that stance, often bringing new tools to previous generations. This announcement marks a step away from that practice.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! Check out our YouTube channel.
