Garmin Unveils New Connect+ With a Monthly Plan

Users will soon need a monthly subscription to access certain Garmin app features.

Garmin’s new premium subscription, Connect+, promises to provide customers with “even more personalised insights,” aimed at enhancing their understanding of health and fitness. The plan introduces various features, including AI-driven tools, advanced training aids, and additional badges available within the app.

This decision represents a significant shift for a company that has previously avoided embracing the subscription model, which has become prevalent across the technology and fitness sectors. It introduces a notable change for users, requiring a monthly payment of $6.99 (or its equivalent in pounds) to access the full range of features on their devices.

Garmin has assured users that all existing features on the Garmin Connect platform will remain free. Additionally, customers can explore the newly introduced tools with a complimentary 30-day trial before deciding to subscribe to them.

Susan Lyman, Garmin’s vice president of consumer sales and marketing, highlighted the platform’s popularity, stating, “Garmin Connect is cherished by customers worldwide for tracking, analysing, and sharing their health and fitness activities.”

“We’re thrilled to introduce Garmin Connect+, offering enhanced features and highly personalised insights. Discover more about yourself, embrace new challenges, train with confidence, and stay better connected than ever before.”

The newly introduced tools feature AI capabilities branded as “Active Intelligence,” providing personalised insights derived from health data collected by the device. These features will first be rolled out in beta, with Garmin emphasising that they have been designed to prioritise the security of users’ data.

The update will feature enhanced performance dashboards to track progress over time, improved live tracking for followers, advanced training guidance, and expanded social interaction capabilities.

Garmin now aligns with platforms like the fitness tracker Whoop and the active social network Strava, introducing additional features through a monthly subscription. Previously, Garmin had refrained from adopting this model, a decision that was praised by users who value the premium pricing of its devices.

With the launch of Connect+, Garmin takes a bold step into the subscription space, offering users a richer, more personalised experience. Whether you’re seeking advanced training tools, AI-driven insights, or enhanced connectivity, the new premium plan aims to redefine how users engage with their devices. As the beta phase rolls out, it remains to be seen how this move will resonate with Garmin’s loyal customer base. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving fitness journey.