Image source: Suunto

ZoneSense, climb UI & map downloads headline Suunto Q3 update

August 21, 2025 Marko Maslakovic Firmware update, Smartwatch 3 min read

Suunto has released software version 2.44.46 for several of its top-tier watches. The update delivers recovery tracking, enhanced sensor support and a handful of other tweaks.

A broader push towards training detail and security

The update is now live for the Suunto Race and Race S, with the Vertical and Suunto 9 Peak Pro models expected to receive the same firmware a bit later. One of the more useful changes is the new recovery state widget. This gives users a snapshot of their recovery, similar to tools found on Garmin and Polar

The addition of ZoneSense in sport modes is also worth noting. It allows you to set intensity targets based on heart rate zones directly before or during activity. For structured training, this is a straightforward way to stay within the right effort band. And it plays well with the next new feature -support for multiple sensors of the same type.

Pairing multiple external heart rate straps or cycling sensors is now possible, but you’ll need to re-pair everything after updating. Once that’s done, you can also view sensor names and battery levels on the watch. This makes it easier to manage different gear sets if you swap devices often.

Navigation, swim, and map handling also improved

Suunto’s climb guidance interface has been polished too. The updated UI now supports zoom between waypoints, which can make a real difference when pacing long ascents. Suunto also added a zoom range indicator to maps, making orientation a little easier mid-activity.

Another tweak is that you can now download maps even when the watch is not connected to a charger. That limitation was always awkward, especially if you realised a map was missing just before heading out.

Swimmers get something as well, with improved detection of swim styles during pool sessions. Notification previews now show longer content when paired with an iPhone, fixing a long-standing gripe among iOS users.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

The GNSS firmware has been updated, with Suunto claiming improved GPS accuracy. Additionally, GPS optimisation data now syncs overnight via Wi-Fi, which should lead to quicker GPS lock times without the need to sync manually via the app.

A new passcode feature adds security by locking the watch when it’s off your wrist. This prevents casual tampering if someone picks it up.

Our takeaway

This feels like a solid update overall. The improved sensor support and ability to download maps without needing the charger are both practical additions that users will appreciate day to day. The recovery widget is a good step in the right direction, but it still feels a bit limited in scope. It’ll be interesting to see if Suunto builds this out further, especially if they’re aiming to offer more comprehensive training insights in line with what Garmin is already doing.

Suunto 9 Peak Pro users will need to wait a bit longer for their turn, but the changelog matches that of the Race series almost line for line. The main difference is that map downloading without a charger is not mentioned for that model.