TechSmartwatchesGarmin watch owners just got this great free activities upgradeWhether you run, cycle or hike, your Garmin just got betterWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

TechSmartwatchesGarmin watch owners just got this great free activities upgradeWhether you run, cycle or hike, your Garmin just got betterWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Whether you run, cycle or hike, your Garmin just got better

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

Garmin Forerunner 255s Music first look

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

Garminhas released a major update for its smart and sports watch ranges that adds a whole stack of great new features.

Some of the brand’sbest running watcheswill have received the upgrades already, while others are in the process of getting the new software now. That includes theGarmin Forerunner 255and Forerunner 955.

They and several others in the Garmin family receive the wrist-based running dynamics thatGarmin Forerunner 265and 965 are already capable of. That allows them to measure a swathe of running metrics, including cadence, stride length and ground contact time. This kind of granular detail usually requires optional accessories, but not the watches can do this on each device itself.

The feature is also now available on the Forerunner 945 LTE, as well as several Garmin smartwatches.

Load ratio tracking

In addition, load ratio has been added to the 955. This too is available on more recent watches and tracks the aforementioned short- and mid-term load ratio to help you keep your training status on track.

Finally, altitude acclimation enhancements have arrived on the Forerunner 945 LTE and 955 too. This gives you specific data when training at high altitude - to enable you to see how your body is reacting to the elevation.

All of the features are added to targeted adaptive coaching for cycling, a way of seeing your daily riding workouts on the watch itself; plus obstacle racing activity, a way of tracking performance during obstacle course events.

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox

Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts

If you’ve not yet received these features for your Garmin watch, you may need to enable automatic updates on the watch or through the Garmin Express software for Windows or Mac.

Among the other devices that get one or more of the new features are the Garmin Fenix 7, Fenix 6 Series, Epix (Gen 2), Enduro, Enduro 2, Tactix 7, Marq, Marq (Gen 2), Quatix 7, and the Instinct 2 and Instinct Crossover.

TheGarmin Forerunner 965is arguably the most fully-featured among them, although it hasn’t yet got the obstacle racing activity functionality.

TOPICSGarmin

TOPICS

Samsung Galaxy S25 family leaked

Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets

This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets

Astropad Bookcase – girl reading

This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…

Actually, there are a couple…

Garmin Forerunner 965 review

Garmin Watches get a great free music upgradeThere’s a new source for your workout soundtracks in the Connect IQ Store

There’s a new source for your workout soundtracks in the Connect IQ Store

Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Coros Pace 3

I used the Garmin Forerunner 165 and Coros Pace 3 to see which is betterWhat’s the difference between Garmin’s and Coros' entry-level running watches? I tried them to find out

What’s the difference between Garmin’s and Coros' entry-level running watches? I tried them to find out

Garmin Forerunner 165 review | under embargo until 21st February 12.00 pm

Garmin Forerunner 165 review: the perfect fit for beginner runnersGet ahead in your running journey with Garmin’s affordable Forerunner 165

Get ahead in your running journey with Garmin’s affordable Forerunner 165

Green smart ring against surface with chevrons

Forget the Samsung Galaxy Ring, I want a Garmin Smart Ring insteadWith all the smart ring announcements from big brands, I can’t wait for Garmin to launch its own take on the concept

With all the smart ring announcements from big brands, I can’t wait for Garmin to launch its own take on the concept

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 press photos

9 mistakes everyone makes with smartwatchesHow to avoid the common pitfalls of smartwatches

How to avoid the common pitfalls of smartwatches

Garmin redesigns Connect app

Garmin simplifies Connect smartwatch app so we mere mortals can finally understand itEasier navigation and a customisable dashboard are just two of the changes coming to Garmin Connect

Easier navigation and a customisable dashboard are just two of the changes coming to Garmin Connect

Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Polar Vantage V3

Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Polar Vantage V3: stat-tracking giants go toe-to-toeHow does Polar’s contender stack up against Garmin’s undisputed king of the multi-sports smartwatch?

How does Polar’s contender stack up against Garmin’s undisputed king of the multi-sports smartwatch?

Insta360 and Garmin Join Forces for Ultimate Running Experience

You can now see Garmin stats on your Insta360 action cam footage – here’s howInsta360 becomes the first action camera brand to integrate with Garmin devices

Insta360 becomes the first action camera brand to integrate with Garmin devices