Garmin and iPhone syncing just got easier in the EU

Garmin watches are now syncing with iPhones even when the Garmin Connect app isn’t open. This change is showing up for users in the EU and it looks like it’s tied to Apple’s compliance with new interoperability rules. Some other regions are seeing it, too.

These rules come from the Digital Markets Act, which forces big tech companies to open up more of their systems. Apple has had to tweak how iOS works, particularly when it comes to how third-party devices connect and exchange data. Garmin watches, which used to rely on the Connect app being open in the background, now seem to get a free pass.

Garmin watches now sync in the background on iPhone

Until recently, you’d have to open the app just to make sure steps, sleep, or heart rate data were transferred. That annoyance is finally going away in Europe. It was actually due to arrive with version 26.3 of iOS but some people are already seeing it. We are, as well.

The changes Apple has made affect how Bluetooth and background data transfer work. It’s part of a broader push to level the playing field between Apple’s own devices and everything else. That includes watches, fitness trackers and other health gear. Apple is required to give developers access to the same communication tools its own apps use. Garmin seems to be making use of those.

There are still limits to what happens in the background, especially on iOS where battery management remains strict. But early signs suggest that the need to manually launch Garmin Connect just to get your data over to the phone is starting to disappear. At least in EU countries.

If you pair your Garmin watch in the EU now, you might see a system page like this, where the Forerunner shows up as a recognised accessory and Bluetooth permissions are fully enabled. It’s a sign that iOS now handles Garmin like it would a first-party device. With background sync and notifications allowed directly through the system. Just like for the Apple Watch.

This screenshot is from the iOS Settings app, specifically under the Bluetooth settings for connected devices. Apple recently introduced these extended views for Bluetooth accessories to comply with EU rules and it now exposes more system-level toggles for things like app linking and notifications. It is different and works in conjunction with the “Connect” app permissions screen which has existed in the iOS settings for years.

Our takeaway

If you’ve noticed your Garmin syncing more smoothly with your iPhone lately, you’re probably seeing the results of these changes. There’s no guarantee it’ll work perfectly on all models, and it’s likely tied to recent iOS updates, but it’s a shift worth noting.

The same syncing improvements may not happen right away outside the EU. Apple isn’t required to open up the same way in other regions. But there are reports already that non-EU are seeing it too.

This article originally appeared on Gadgets & Wearables, the first media outlet to report the story.

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