Garmin is shaking things up by renaming its contactless payment feature from Garmin Pay to Garmin Wallet. This move suggests a significant expansion of the service beyond simple payments, possibly in preparation for upcoming devices like the LTE-enabled Fenix 8 Pro.
For current users, this is a branding change, not a functional one. The process for making transactions and all your saved credit and debit cards will remain the same. The only difference is that you will now manage everything under the new name, Garmin Wallet. This includes all your cards, passcodes, and any related settings. All future alerts, system messages, and support documents will also reflect this new name. While a simple change, it lays the groundwork for more features down the line.
Why the Change? Preparing for a Standalone Future
The name “Wallet” isn’t a new concept in the tech world. Companies like Apple, Google, and Samsung have already built their ecosystems around the idea that your phone or watch can replace everything in your physical wallet. Garmin is now following suit, but likely with a focus on its core user base of athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
The shift to Garmin Wallet could be more than just a place to store your payment cards. It could eventually become a hub for all sorts of digital credentials. Imagine being able to use your Garmin watch to store transit passes, digital IDs, or even access race day information. For example, a marathon runner could use their watch to scan into a secure area before a race, and a hiker could use it to store permits for national parks. This would turn your Garmin device into a more powerful, all-in-one tool for active lifestyles.
The Coordinated Launch with the Fenix 8 Pro
This rebranding comes at a time when Garmin is rumored to be preparing for a major update to its devices’ connectivity. Leaks suggest the upcoming Fenix 8 Pro will feature LTE cellular connectivity, two-way messaging, and satellite-based safety tools.
If Garmin is planning to turn its smartwatches into more independent communication devices, it will need a way to organize all these new functions. Garmin Wallet could serve as the central hub for this. The fact that the name change and the Fenix 8 Pro leaks are happening at the same time suggests a coordinated strategy. It appears Garmin is getting its platform for a new generation of more powerful and connected wearables.
Also Read: Garmin Fenix 8 Pro and More: A “Massive Leak” Reveals Ambitious LTE and Satellite Plans
