Garmin’s Q2 2025 feature drop focuses on sleep & outdoor tools
Garmin has published details on its Q2 firmware update plans. The software that will roll out over the next few months will mostly focus on added sleep insights, load-based workouts and better privacy control.
Breathing variations hints at Garmin’s sleep apnea ambitions
For starters, the company is adding a Breathing Variations chart to the sleep section. It logs changes in how you breathe during the night using Pulse Ox, then labels them as minimal, few, occasional or frequent. The info shows up in Garmin Connect and on the watch, and you can see how it lines up with your sleep stages.
As we note in our separate piece, it’s hard to ignore what this might be leading to. Garmin doesn’t say the word, but this looks like the start of a sleep apnea feature. None of their watches can alert you to the condition yet. But breathing irregularities during sleep are one of the main signs. This seems like a way to start collecting real-world data and fine-tuning the algorithm, without stepping into medical territory just yet.
I wouldn’t be surprised if this eventually turns into something more serious. First you roll out a passive chart. Then maybe you get regulatory approval. For now, though, users get a bit more depth in their sleep tracking.
Breathing Variations debuted with the launch of the Forerunner 570 and 970 but will now roll out to other devices. The chart below shows a bunch of Forerunners getting the feature alongside high-end watches. There is some conflicting info, though, on whether the Forerunners will be getting Breathing Variations. We will find out soon enough.
Rucking mode adds proper support for weighted hiking
Garmin is expanding the range of watches officially supporting weighted hiking, also referred to as rucking. Instinct 3 (& Tactical), Fenix E/8 series and Enduro 3 are next on the list.
Users can enter their pack weight before starting an activity. This gives more accurate estimates for metrics like pace, calorie burn, VO2 max and elevation.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
The feature is targeted at anyone who trains with load-bearing gear, whether for fitness or more practical outdoor reasons. Up to now, users had to improvise by logging these sessions under regular hike or walk activities. This new mode helps bring those sessions in line with the rest of Garmin’s performance tracking.
Passcodes and wrist lock strengthen privacy
Another addition is the ability to set a passcode to protect access to the watch. If wrist detection is enabled, the watch locks itself once it’s taken off, requiring the passcode again when worn. This actually started rolling out at the beginning of the year and many watches have already received the feature.
This brings Garmin closer to what other smartwatch platforms have offered for a while. It gives users better control over their personal information stored on the device, from health data to schedules.
Smaller features for more specific use cases
A Stage Timer has also been added. This is aimed at competitive marksmen and is designed to give alerts either through the built-in speaker or through paired hearing protection. The timer tracks how much time is left in a shooting stage.
For golfers, there’s expanded support for CourseView maps, Green Contour Data, and PlaysLike Distance. These are now available with a Garmin Golf membership. Offline trail syncing has also been improved. Trails viewed in the Garmin Explore or Connect app can be sent directly to compatible watches if you have the right subscription plan.
Finally there is also the Expanded Morning Report. For now this is only available on Forerunner 570/970 and the Vivoactive 6. Garmin doesn’t explicitly say what this is, but presumably its referring to the new Evening Report that works in conjunction with the old Morning report.
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