A bigger push into advanced health metrics

What we are likely to get is a move towards more advanced physiological data. The current Fenix line already covers the basics extremely well, with heart rate, HRV, sleep tracking, training readiness and recovery time all forming part of the package. But it has been a while since we’ve had something truly new.

What Garmin now appears to be exploring goes a layer deeper, looking at biomarkers and longer-term indicators that move beyond day-to-day training stats. This would fit with the way the wearables market is evolving, as serious users increasingly want devices that can bridge the gap between performance tracking and broader health monitoring.

The HbA1c-related work is a good example of this direction. Instead of trying to mimic live glucose readings, the idea seems to centre on offering a view of longer-term metabolic health trends, which could eventually sit alongside Garmin’s existing wellness tools. That would be incredibly useful.

There is also the possibility of other new health metrics. Garmin’s patents reference hydration, hematocrit and tissue oxygen estimation through pulse spectroscopy. This could give the Fenix 9 users some genuinely new insights. Granted, these are unlikely to arrive in 2026 – but one can always hope.

Muscle Battery may be part of a bigger ecosystem

The Muscle Battery trademark we uncovered a few days ago is another interesting clue. This is not a patent – it’s a trademark – so Garmin is most likely actively working on it.

But it probably should not be viewed as a direct wrist-based Fenix 9 feature. Muscle oxygen saturation is not something that can be captured from the wrist.

Existing solutions that track SmO2, such as dedicated sports sensors, are usually worn on specific muscle groups like the thigh or calf. Because of that, Garmin will probably prepare a separate accessory device that pairs with the Fenix 9.

This could take the form of a strap-based wearable or something conceptually similar to Garmin’s existing chest straps and cycling accessories. In that setup, the Fenix 9 would act as the central display and analytics hub, while the sensor itself sits much closer to the muscle being measured. Or perhaps the upcoming CIRQA band might play a part.

That would actually make a lot of sense from Garmin’s perspective. It allows the company to extend its performance ecosystem without compromising the design of the watch itself, while also giving serious athletes access to more specialised data.

Other upgrades

As far as hardware, last year we saw a Garmin patent that combines solar charging with AMOLED. If the company has found a way to make that work without compromising screen clarity, it could finally remove the trade-off between the bright, vibrant display of the AMOLED model and the longer battery life of the Solar variants.

Another patent filing hints at a magnetic rotating crown that uses a Hall effect sensor rather than a traditional physical shaft. That would make map zooming and menu navigation feel much smoother while also avoiding another opening in the case. But this is more likely to debut on something like the Venu than the Fenix.

Recently, Garmin has also filed patents around a redesigned antenna system built directly into the watch case. Instead of relying on fixed dedicated antennas, parts such as the bezel, bottom plate and internal conductive elements could double up for GNSS, LTE and even satellite communication duties.

What this means for the upcoming launch

Taken together, these patents and trademark filings suggest the Fenix 9 may be less about cosmetic changes and more about smarter data and stronger ecosystem integration. So we may get a bigger upgrade this year than what we have become accustomed to.

As far as timing, there have been a few clues. Based on recent executive comments and Garmin’s usual release cadence, the most likely launch window looks to be the second half of 2026, with late summer to early autumn, most likely August to October, feeling like the sweet spot.

That would fit with Garmin’s recent pattern of major outdoor watch launches landing in the back half of the year. It also gives the company time to position the Fenix 9 as the centrepiece of what could be a broader performance ecosystem refresh.

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The 27.09 story is back again

Back in January, reports first emerged that firmware version 27.09 was causing problems on several Forerunner models. At the time, complaints centred on step tracking, sleep detection, heart rate accuracy and general instability, with the Forerunner 165 appearing to be one of the models most frequently mentioned.

A fresh Reddit thread posted this week shows the frustration has not gone away. The user behind the post says their Forerunner continues to produce erratic heart rate readings and inaccurate elevation data. In one example, a completely flat route allegedly appeared as if it involved major climbing, which in turn affects training load, VO2 Max and recovery estimates that depend on that data.

That is what makes this more than a minor software annoyance. When core sensors are not behaving as expected, every metric built on top of them becomes harder to trust.

The frustration has shifted

What seems to be driving the latest backlash is not simply the existence of bugs, but the sense among some users that Garmin has not clearly communicated what is happening.

The latest discussion points to the fact that the Forerunner 165 later received a follow-up firmware update, while owners of other models such as the 255, 265, 955 and 965 feel they are still waiting for a comparable fix. That contrast is clearly adding to the frustration, particularly among owners of higher-end devices.

It creates an awkward perception issue for Garmin. When users of watches are still reporting heart rate and elevation inconsistencies months after rollout, questions naturally start to be asked about the update process and whether the issue has been fully identified.

Not everyone seems affected

At the same time, this does not appear to be a universal problem.

Even in the latest discussions, some users report that their watches are running 27.09 without any obvious issues. That mixed feedback suggests this may be one of those difficult firmware bugs that only appears under certain conditions, perhaps linked to individual hardware units, sensor calibration states or specific use cases.

That inconsistency is partly why the story remains newsworthy. Some runners are seeing no problems at all, while others say the update has had a noticeable impact on key metrics they rely on every day. It also makes the issue harder for Garmin to pin down, which may help explain why some users are still waiting for a clear resolution.

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The filing has gone unnoticed and we just spotted it today. But it was published on February 19th.

Its wording is unusually specific. And importantly, this kind of tracking would require dedicated sensors capable of measuring muscle oxygen levels. That suggests Garmin may be preparing new hardware alongside the software feature.

Muscle oxygen, or SmO2, is still a fairly niche metric in wearables. Right now it is mostly tracked by specialist sports sensors like the Moxy Monitor, rather than mainstream smartwatches, so if Garmin brings it to a consumer device it would be a pretty interesting move.

A natural extension of Body Battery

The name Muscle Battery feels instantly familiar. Garmin users already know Body Battery as one of the platform’s best-known features, giving an easy-to-understand view of overall energy levels based on stress, sleep and recovery signals.

Rather than looking at full-body readiness, Muscle Battery is more targeted. In practical terms, it could help runners, cyclists and strength athletes understand how well specific muscle groups are recovering after hard sessions.

That would make it especially useful for interval work, long runs, leg-heavy gym sessions or back-to-back training days. This is where muscular fatigue often outlasts general cardiovascular recovery.

Here’s how it’s described in the filing.

A feature of computer software that captures, processes, and analyzes muscle oxygen saturation or related sports performance metrics using special algorithms; feature of operating software with muscle oxygen saturation or related biometrics measurement algorithm for personal electronic devices; electronic software algorithm for the purpose of capturing, processing, and analyzing muscle oxygen saturation or related sports performance metrics; algorithm feature sold as an integral component of personal electronic devices, namely wearable fitness trackers, smartwatches, and health monitoring devices.

Could this tie into CIRQA?

Most likely, Garmin plans to introduce a new sensor capable of measuring muscle oxygen directly. Given the CIRQA trademark filing, and the growing signs that Garmin is exploring more recovery-focused wearables, the timing feels particularly notable.

The filing date stands out because it comes just six days before Garmin’s CIRQA trademark application. That may be coincidence, but it also raises another possibility. A screenless recovery band paired with a new muscle-focused readiness metric would generate lots of interest.

That becomes even more interesting in light of a recent Whoop patent that points to a future wearable capable of measuring muscle oxygenation. If Garmin gets there first, CIRQA could end up offering something beyond what the current generation of the Whoop provides.

For now, this remains a trademark filing rather than a confirmed product feature. Still, the specificity of the wording makes this one worth watching closely, as it may offer an early look at where Garmin’s performance tracking is heading next.

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

Source: USPTO

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The USPTO application numbered £99670310 itself is unusually specific. Rather than using broad fitness tracker wording, Garmin describes wearable devices placed on the body that measure physiological data, bio-signals and bodily behaviour, alongside metrics linked to stress recovery, alertness and performance.

Taken together, this points well beyond a conventional fitness band. The language strongly suggests a recovery-first wearable designed for continuous wear, with a focus on sleep, training load and daily readiness, which lines up closely with what earlier leaks had hinted at.

A stronger signal than the original leak

Back in January, we reported that Garmin had briefly exposed a product page reference to a “CIRQA Smart Band” on its own site. That leak pointed to two sizes, multiple colour options and an estimated shipping window that suggested a mid-2026 release.

At the time, the main question was whether this was simply another fitness band or something aimed more directly at the recovery wearable space currently dominated by devices like Whoop. There was speculation about the upcoming device including a screen-less design and deeper recovery analytics.

This latest trademark filing adds more weight to that theory and makes the earlier leak feel far more significant in hindsight. The wording around stress recovery, alertness and performance feels very deliberate, and Garmin could easily have filed something much broader.

Instead, the language closely mirrors how recovery-focused wearables are typically positioned, which strengthens the view that CIRQA may be designed as a dedicated recovery and readiness device rather than a conventional fitness band.

The filing hints at Garmin’s direction

What stands out most is that the application is filed on an intent-to-use basis. In other words, this is not a legacy product name being renewed. It strongly suggests something Garmin intends to bring to market.

The legal description covers electronic sensors and monitors worn on the body, along with devices for storing and transmitting the collected data. That fits with a band-style wearable that relies heavily on app-based insights rather than an onboard display.

If Garmin does take CIRQA in this direction, it could represent a different kind of product from its existing smartwatch and band lineup. This may be designed as a dedicated recovery and readiness device.

That would also make sense strategically. Garmin already has the software foundation in place through Body Battery, HRV Status, sleep analytics and training readiness metrics. CIRQA could simply package those ideas into a more discreet form factor.

Release date

The trademark timeline may also offer a small clue on launch timing, although it is not a direct release indicator. Garmin filed the CIRQA name on February 25 and the application is still listed as awaiting assignment to an examining attorney. But that does not prevent the company from launching the device before the trademark is formally approved.

In practice, brands often release new hardware while the legal process is still moving through the USPTO. When viewed alongside the earlier smart band leak, which pointed to a mid-2026 shipping window, the latest filing still fits with a potential late spring or early summer launch rather than suggesting any delay.

For now, nothing is official beyond the trademark filing, but it does make the earlier leak look far less accidental and much more like an early glimpse of a product already moving through Garmin’s launch pipeline.

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

Source: USPTO

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To use it, open a completed activity, tap the share button and choose from the available layouts. From there, the finished image is ready to post wherever you want, whether that is social media, messaging apps or elsewhere.

A cleaner way to share your workouts

The update is aimed at users who like posting their sessions online without needing third-party editing tools. Garmin has clearly leaned into social-friendly formats here, with the three aspect ratios covering the most common use cases.

The 1×1 layout works well for standard social posts and feeds. The 4×5 format is more suited for portrait-style feed posts where you want the image to take up more screen space. Then there is the 9×16 option, which is ideal for Stories, Reels and other vertical formats.

What stands out is the transparent design itself. Rather than placing the route map and workout figures inside opaque boxes, Garmin lets the image remain front and centre. The data sits more naturally on top of the photo, which gives the final result a much cleaner and more modern look.

As shown in these examples, the app overlays average heart rate, distance and average pace alongside a route outline. It makes the share card feel much less like a screenshot and more like something intentionally designed for posting.

A subtle shift

What makes this interesting is less the feature itself and more what it says about where Garmin Connect is heading. The app has long been centred on data analysis, training load and post-workout insights, but updates like this suggest Garmin is also paying more attention to presentation.

This is not an entirely new idea in the fitness app space. Strava and several third-party tools have offered activity share cards with route and stat overlays for some time, so Garmin is not breaking new ground here. What it is doing is bringing a cleaner, more polished version of that experience directly into Connect.

For many users, the workout no longer ends when the run or ride is over. Sharing progress, routes and milestone sessions has become part of the wider fitness experience, whether that is with friends, training groups or a broader online audience.

That is why this update feels relevant even if it is a relatively small addition. Garmin is making sure shared workouts look just as polished outside the app as the data looks inside it.

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At a glance, this is not about adding a brand new feature. Garmin already offers watches with LTE such as the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE and satellite enabled models like the Garmin fēnix 8 Pro and Garmin quatix 8 Pro. What these patents suggest is a deeper rethink of how those capabilities are delivered under the hood.

A different way to use the watch body

One the patents describes a setup where different parts of the watch act as antennas. The bezel and the bottom plate are not just structural elements. They are actively used for signal transmission and reception.

The interesting part is how these elements can switch roles. One antenna can handle positioning duties such as GNSS, while another manages communication. Then the system can reconfigure itself so both antennas take on communication tasks when needed.

This kind of switching is not something Garmin highlights in current devices. Existing watches rely on fixed antenna designs that are tuned for specific functions. Here, the idea is more dynamic. The watch can adjust depending on what it is doing at a given moment.

Tuning for more than one network

Another filing builds on this by adding more components into the mix. The side walls, internal rings and other conductive parts of the case are used as part of the antenna system. There are also references to selectable tuning networks.

That matters because different networks operate on different frequencies. GNSS, cellular and satellite links all have their own requirements. A system that can retune itself could handle more bands without needing separate dedicated antennas for each one.

There is also mention of selecting frequencies based on location or user settings. That hints at a watch that adapts depending on where you are, which could be useful for global use where network standards vary.

What looks new here

Garmin is not new to connected watches. A few of the more recent models already support safety features and messaging through cellular or satellite links.

What feels different in these patents is the level of flexibility in the antenna design. The focus is on making the hardware do more with the same space. Instead of adding more components, Garmin seems to be looking at how to reuse existing parts of the watch case in smarter ways.

One of the filings also describes an adjustable length antenna configuration. That suggests the system could physically or electrically change its characteristics to better match the signal it is working with. That is a more advanced approach than a static antenna tuned for a narrow range.

Our takeaway

From a user point of view, none of this translates directly into a feature you can toggle on or off. But it could have knock on effects.

Better antenna efficiency can mean more reliable connections. It can also help with battery life, since the watch may not need to push as much power to maintain a signal. There is also the possibility of broader compatibility with different networks, which matters if Garmin continues to push satellite features.

There is also a space argument. Watches are already packed with sensors, batteries and radios. If Garmin can reduce the need for separate antenna components, that frees up room for other things or allows for slimmer designs.

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

Sources: USPTO (20260086505, 20260088493, 20260086506)

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These discounts benefit anyone easing into warmer season routines. Worth noting, exact discounts and eligible models depend on your region.

Some of these deals can also be picked up on Garmin’s website.

Garmin deals to consider

Garmin Venu X1: All-rounder

Let’s start with a device released in recent months. Garmin usually holds off on discounting newer models, so it’s good to see some of these on sale.

The Venu X1 came out in late 2025 and brings a good mix of fitness features and everyday usability. They include advanced health tracking, built-in GPS, long battery life, and a design that works well beyond workouts. Beyond that you have some deals on older devices.

Vivoactive 5 – $179.95, down from $194.85.99 (check price on Amazon).
Venu 2/Sq 2 – $198.30, down from $249.99 (check price on Amazon).
Venu X1 – $699.00, down from $799.99 (check price on Amazon).

Fenix 8, Epix Pro, Enduro 3: Unmatched durability and precision

The Fenix 8 can currently be picked up at a discount. This watch sticks to that classic rugged feel, built for outdoor use with great battery life and full mapping support. The Epix Pro gives you a similar features. And let’s not forget Enduro 3, tactic 8 and quatix 8.

Fenix 8 – starting at $749.95, down from $1059.99 (check price on Amazon).
Epix Pro (Gen 2) – starting at $549.99, down from $1099.99 (check price on Amazon).
Enduro 2 – $399.95, down from $499.95 (check price on Amazon).

Forerunner series: For the dedicated runner

The Forerunner series tailors specifically to serious runners. The range includes various models some of which can be picked up on a discount right now. This includes the Forerunner 165 series, 265 and 965. These smartwatches offer advanced metrics to help you train smarter and achieve your running goals.

Forerunner 55 – $169.00, down from $199.99 (check price on Amazon).
Forerunner 165 – $199.99, down from $249.99 (check price on Amazon).
Forerunner 255 – $236.95, down from $349.99 (check price on Amazon).
Forerunner 265 – $349.99, down from $449.99 (check price on Amazon).
Forerunner 965 – $499.99, down from $599.99 (check price on Amazon).

Instinct watches

Instinct watches are also getting price cuts, and both are built for the outdoors. Instinct 3 adds a sharper display and updated sensors to the rugged formula, while the Instinct 2 keeps things simpler with long battery life and a no-nonsense monochrome screen.

Instinct 2 Solar – $259.85, down from $399.99 (check latest price on Amazon).
Instinct 3 – $419.95, down from $449.99 (check latest price on Amazon).
Instinct E – $251.00, down from $299.99 (check latest price on Amazon).

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Basically your data, but you can just talk to it

Right now, even though AI tools are getting really capable, there’s still no straightforward way to connect them to your Garmin data. That will almost certainly change sooner rather than later. Chances are that within a year or two we’ll see some kind of built-in integration. Until that happens, though, there may be a workaround or two that could do the job.

Trent had already developed the Garmin Chat Desktop tool on Windows. The problem is, that setup lives on your PC. Getting the same thing working smoothly on other platforms has been a pain because the mobile apps from OpenAI and Anthropic don’t let you point them at a local server the way the desktop versions do.

So instead of grinding out a whole new mobile app, Rod went the smart route. Garmin Chat Connector is a cloud version that runs as a hosted Model Context Protocol (MCP) server. You get your own private URL protected by a token, paste it into ChatGPT or Claude on your phone as a custom connector, and boom -you’re chatting with your real Garmin data from anywhere.

Right now it works with the mobile apps for ChatGPT and Claude since they’re the ones that let you plug in your own MCP endpoint. If other AI apps add that feature later, they’ll probably play nice too.

Stuff you can actually ask it

Once everything is linked up, the interaction should feel pretty natural. You can pose everyday questions and get answers based on your personal stats.

For instance, you might ask how your sleep went the previous night, what your Body Battery level suggests for the day’s training, or whether it’s time for a rest day based on recovery signals. Other possibilities include checking your current VO2 Max, reviewing runs from the past couple of weeks, seeing how much water you’ve logged, or requesting a quick overview of yesterday’s health numbers.

The connector makes 16 different data tools available, organized into five categories. These handle everything from pulling specific metrics to summarizing trends, analyzing recent activities, and providing recovery insights. The goal is to skip the usual scrolling through charts and menus in the Garmin Connect app and get straight to useful answers.

Where it stands and what’s next

The project remains in development, though Trent says the core work is finished and it’s nearing release. When ready, it will offer a public hosted instance so users don’t need to set up their own server. No self-hosting is required, and the focus is on keeping things straightforward.

Keep in mind this is a third-party effort from Trent, not an official Garmin product. It complements the desktop tool rather than replacing anything Garmin offers directly.

For anyone who already spends time digging into their watch data, this could make checking in on progress a bit more convenient. And if you’ve tried Garmin’s own AI feature, you’ll know it still has a long way to go.

Stay tuned for the official launch details on Rod Trent’s Substack.

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There is also something bigger going on here. Pokémon Sleep is now compatible with select Garmin smartwatches.

Garmin sleep data can now sync with Pokémon Sleep

Pokémon Sleep is a mobile game built entirely around sleep tracking. You go to sleep, the app records your sleep session and the next morning you discover which Pokémon appeared during the night based on your sleep style.

Up to now the game mostly relied on tracking sleep through a smartphone placed next to the bed or through the Pokémon GO Plus+ accessory. The Pokémon Company has now said the game is compatible with select Garmin smartwatches.

It is a slightly unusual crossover. On one side you have Garmin’s fairly serious sleep tracking tools. On the other side you have a game where sleepy Pokémon show up depending on how well you slept. But if it gets more people paying attention to their sleep habits it probably does the job.

Two Pokémon watch faces now available

Alongside the integration announcement, Garmin has released two themed watch faces in the Connect IQ store.

The first one is called Pokémon Sleep Snorlax and Friends. It shows Snorlax together with several familiar characters including Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle.

The second design is Pokémon Sleep I Choose You. That one lets you pick a single Pokémon from a selection of forty eight different characters.

Both watch faces react to Garmin’s Body Battery metric. When your Body Battery is high they look energetic and happy. As your energy drops they start looking sleepy. It is basically a visual version of the Body Battery number.

There is also a bedtime cue built into the design. Around ninety minutes before the sleep schedule set in Garmin Connect the watch face switches into a darker night mode to signal that it might be time to start winding down.

A small but interesting crossover

At first glance this might look like Garmin just having a bit of fun with a themed watch face release. But the Pokémon Sleep compatibility makes the announcement a bit more interesting.

Pokémon Sleep has built a decent following since its launch and millions of players use it as a motivation tool for improving sleep habits. With the game now compatible with select Garmin smartwatches a large group of wearable users can now take part in that ecosystem as well.

For Garmin it is also another example of its health data connecting with outside platforms.

Wearables used to operate in fairly closed systems. You tracked your workouts and sleep inside one app and that was about it. Now those same metrics are starting to flow into other services and experiences.

In this case the destination just happens to be a game about sleepy Pokémon. And judging by the reaction online plenty of Garmin users are more than happy to see their watch turn into a tiny Pokémon companion for the day.

Source: Garmin

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Garmin wearables already used in military research

Millions of people, including solders, wear Garmin watches to track sleep, stress, heart rate and training performance. But the same devices are also used in military research programs.

That overlap does not mean Garmin has direct defence contracts. Still, it shows how technology built for personal health tracking can end up playing a role in much larger institutional systems.

Garmin devices have appeared in studies involving soldiers and military recruits, where researchers analyse fatigue, workload and recovery during training. Continuous tracking makes it easier to see patterns over time. Instead of relying on occasional tests or self-reported data, researchers can observe how sleep, stress and physical activity interact from day to day.

In some programs, wearable data is also being explored as a way to monitor physical readiness across groups of service members.

One of the clearer examples comes from the U.S. Space Force, which distributed thousands of Garmin smartwatches to personnel as part of a fitness study run with the Air Force Research Laboratory. The goal is to see whether continuous data from wearables could eventually complement or even replace traditional periodic fitness tests.

How this differs from Oura’s defence contract

Garmin’s position here is meaningfully different from Oura’s. Oura holds a large Defense Health Agency contract to supply smart rings and analytics tools specifically designed to analyse stress, recovery and resilience across military personnel. That makes Oura a direct enterprise supplier for a defence wellbeing program.

Garmin does not appear to have a comparable dedicated Pentagon contract. Its watches are typically used as commercial devices within research studies or pilot programs rather than as part of a formal institutional supply arrangement.

Interestingly, some projects have used both platforms at the same time. In at least one defence health study, researchers used both Oura rings and Garmin watches to analyse physiological signals linked to illness detection and readiness. So even without a formal contract, consumer devices can still become tools within institutional research.

What this means for your data

All this shows that there is some overlap between the military and Garmin. But it doesn’t seem to be a strong link.

The company says users maintain control over how their data is shared, and most of it stays inside personal accounts within the Garmin Connect platform. There is no suggestion that Garmin user data is being passed directly to defence agencies.

For years, fitness trackers were mostly seen as personal health gadgets. As the ChatGPT backlash showed, once defence connections enter the picture people start asking more questions about how these technologies are used and where the data might eventually end up. Garmin is not immune to that debate.

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