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Suunto’s Q4 upgrade adds AI Coach, ZoneSense and better HR tracking

January 7, 2026 Marko Maslakovic Firmware update, Smartwatch 6 min read

Suunto is entering 2026 on a strong note, rolling out firmware version 2.50.26 across its top-tier watches. This is one of the brand’s most ambitious software pushes so far, with a clear lean into multisport enhancements, intelligent data handling, and improved training tools.

A push toward smarter multisport

For starters, the update brings automatic transitions to triathlon and SwimRun, a long-requested feature that makes those disciplines easier to manage mid-race. Circular multisport has also been introduced, letting users loop back through the same set of sports without ending the session. For duathlon and aquathlon athletes, there are now dedicated modes built in.

Beyond the new sport profiles, Suunto has worked on how its watches handle data within those activities. You can now see time spent in different intensity zones directly after a session thanks to ZoneSense, which also shows a live intensity ring in cardiovascular activities like hiking or gym workouts.

SuuntoPlus app stacking and persistent setups

With this release, Suunto Vertical 2 and Race 2 owners can now run up to three SuuntoPlus apps during a workout. That opens the door to richer in-session metrics without needing to pick a single app in advance. For those who tweak settings per activity, the watch now remembers your sport mode configurations. Each profile saves its own connected sensors, intensity zones, screen layouts and more, so there’s no need to adjust before every session.

Sensor pairing and control also sees an upgrade. You can now enable or disable sensors for each sport mode individually, and the pairing process turns on the relevant services automatically. This also allows selective use, like pulling only power data from a Stryd pod while ignoring cadence or pace.

Visual improvements and better navigation

Navigation now looks cleaner on the wrist, with larger arrows and icons, plus clearer POI visuals. A new north-up map orientation option adds clarity when moving slowly or hiking in loops. Meanwhile, Wi-Fi-enabled models now grab weather updates overnight for automatic syncing.

The display experience has been streamlined, with smoother menu transitions and quicker map loading times. Vertical 2 users also get a few exclusives here. The flashlight remembers your last setting, can now be accessed mid-activity as a secondary tool, and can be turned off quickly with a touch gesture.

New metrics and stronger algorithms

The update introduces new data fields for peak power and speed over multiple time intervals, as well as gradient-adjusted pace (NGP) in real time and over laps. Navigation gains include ascent or descent remaining to your next waypoint or to the route end, helpful for pacing in the mountains.

There’s also a big step forward in optical heart rate performance. Race 2 and Vertical 2 get a refined algorithm that improves stability during uneven efforts like trail descents and fixes spiking at the start of workouts. Race and Race S receive a new in-house algorithm that marks a shift toward proprietary software. That engine is tuned for handling sudden changes in effort, and it improves early-session accuracy as well.

Deeper training guidance

AI Coach now includes interval workout descriptions directly in training plans and lets you build interval sessions on the watch. These sessions now appear as structured efforts instead of just a string of manual laps. Swim tracking is sharper too, with quicker detection of strokes and rest periods, and improved interval handling across pool sessions.

A looping demo mode has been added for in-store units, but it won’t affect users day to day. What might, though, is the new barometric algorithm. Suunto has dropped the initial elevation-change threshold to 2 meters and added real-time filtering for wind, rain and moisture. This should reduce those minor but annoying false spikes in ascent and descent during hikes or bad weather.

Final notes

The update is now rolling out for all compatible models: Suunto 9 Peak Pro, Race, Race S, Race 2, Vertical and Vertical 2. Some features, including stacked SuuntoPlus apps and the enhanced HR tracking, are limited to newer hardware. But even older models see improvements in navigation, sport tracking and user interface.

Change-log:

Up to 3 SuuntoPlus apps can now run at the same time (Race 2 and Vertical 2 only)
Automatic transitions added for triathlon and SwimRun
New circular multisport mode supports full block repetition
New data fields: Instant/average/lap NGP, ascent/descent to waypoint/end, peak power and speed metrics
ZoneSense shows time-in-zone post-activity and adds an intensity ring to all cardio sports
Each sport mode now remembers your personal setup, including screens, zones, maps and more
Sensors can be toggled per sport mode, with selective usage and auto service activation
New sport modes: Duathlon, SwimRun, Aquathlon
Improved map visuals and navigation, with larger icons and north-up orientation option
Wi-Fi-based weather data now updates automatically at night
Vertical 2: flashlight now remembers last mode, available in activity settings, quick off via gesture
Intervals now appear as structured sessions, not manual laps; improved visuals in watch and app
Race 2 and Vertical 2: refined optical HR algorithm improves start-of-activity spikes and wrist accuracy
Race and Race S: new in-house Suunto HR algorithm boosts accuracy during intensity shifts and descents
AI Coach now includes interval session details and on-watch interval creation
Swimming: improved stroke, rest and interval detection
Faster UI transitions and reduced map loading times
Demo mode added for store display
New SMART barometric algorithm with better filtering and 2m threshold for altitude changes
Bug fixes: airplane mode toggle works again, sleep mislabeling resolved, SpO2 readings fixed