Garmin isn’t done with Connect+. After launching the paid tier earlier this year, the company now says more subscriber-only perks are coming. But don’t worry, free users won’t be left behind.
Garmin Connect+ to gain new tools soon
Garmin’s $6.99/month Connect+ service already offers extras like enhanced Garmin Coach plans, exclusive badges, and expanded LiveTrack features. But during a recent earnings call, CEO Cliff Pemble confirmed that additional subscriber-only functionality is in the pipeline.
While he didn’t drop specifics, Pemble made it clear these tools are meant to build on Garmin’s investment in AI-driven insights a major part of the platform’s recent shift.
Subscription backlash isn’t stopping Garmin’s roadmap
Not everyone embraced the Connect+ rollout when it launched in March 2025. Reddit threads and Garmin’s forums lit up with criticism. Still, Pemble insisted the overall reception has been “positive” from Garmin’s perspective.
Even so, the company took care to clarify one point: no existing features will be removed from the free version of Garmin Connect. Instead, Connect+ will continue to grow with entirely new tools, not recycled ones.
The free Garmin Connect app isn’t going anywhere
Garmin also reassured its broader user base that the free app will continue to evolve. The company says it’s committed to improving both tiers, rather than using Connect+ to wall off core features behind a paywall.
Here’s what Garmin users can expect going forward:
- More AI-based fitness insights
- New Connect+ features exclusive to subscribers
- Continued updates for free Garmin Connect users
- No paywalling of existing tools
Paid features could shift Garmin’s user balance
Whether these future Connect+ tools will boost subscriber numbers remains to be seen. But Garmin is clearly betting on premium experiences as a way to grow long-term engagement especially as AI becomes central to its health tracking platform.
For now, the core app remains open and functional for all, but the real perks may soon be reserved for those willing to pay.
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