Garmin Q3 update brings new running metrics & triathlon features
Garmin’s Q3 2025 update adds new run metrics, triathlon tools and better cycling analysis to a bunch of its wearables. The Venu X1, Forerunner 970 and 950 pick up the most of the goodies. But some new features are coming to older watches.
Garmin’s triathlon tools go deeper
One of the headline additions is Garmin Triathlon Coach. This brings adaptive training plans that change daily, using performance, recovery and health data to serve up personalised workouts. You can view and tweak your full training week in the Garmin Connect app. This is clearly aimed at those building towards multisport races, and it is (will be) available on several of Garmin’s higher-end models. But not Vivoactive 6.
The same group of watches also picks up support for multisport workouts and triathlon race events. Another related addition is race time prediction and a suggested finish line tool, aimed at helping you pace longer efforts. Garmin is continuing to put more long-distance planning tools on the wrist.
New data for runners with HRM support
One of the more technical additions this quarter is running economy. This uses long-term volume, stride length and a new stat Garmin calls step speed loss. That is a measure of how much you slow down with each ground contact.
You’ll also see running tolerance, a stat that recommends a weekly mileage ceiling based on your recovery and how your body responds to effort. Daily suggested workouts for track sessions now display in lap-friendly units and support all types of intensity workouts.
The combination of these tools brings Garmin’s run analytics even closer to a coach-style system. But to get the full picture, you’ll need to invest in the HRM 600. You can see a full table of features and supported watches below.
Evening prep and rucking mode added
Several new features are more lifestyle or utility-oriented. One of the most visible is the new evening report. This bundles sleep need, tomorrow’s workout, weather, and any upcoming calendar events into a single glance, designed to help you wind down with the next day in mind.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
Also notable is the expansion of the rucking mode, now with pack weight input. This builds on the previously available activity type and aligns with Garmin’s push into more functional fitness tracking.
Other additions include a calculator app, a mobility feature, a smart wake alarm, and expanded track detection. The Edge 1050, meanwhile, gets trail-focused upgrades like downhill and enduro ride profiles, timing gates, and more detailed Forksight visuals. There’s also now 5 Hz GPS recording during downhill or enduro rides for finer movement tracking.
Feature distribution across the lineup
Garmin continues to reserve some features for specific models. So Venu X1, Forerunner 570 and 970 – along with Vivoactive 6.
But the same is the case for the full Fenix 8 series, Enduro 3, tactix 8, and quatix 8. So that’s a bit of good news. However, those holding on to old Forerunners seem to have been left in the dust.
The breakdown continues to show how Garmin uses software to differentiate between tiers, even among newer models. If you’re eyeing one of the newer watches and want all the advanced metrics, you’ll want to double-check what each model supports.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! Check out our YouTube channel.
