Garmin is pushing the envelope for its wearable lineup with the launch of Beta Version 16.16. This marks the third milestone in the current 16.xx testing phase that kicked off in late 2025. While the update introduces a highly anticipated health tool, it comes with a specific set of requirements for users of the Venu and vivoactive series.
New Nutrition Tracking Capabilities
The centerpiece of this update is the integration of Garmin Connect+ nutrition logging. Originally unveiled in early January 2026, this tool allows users to manage their diet directly through the Garmin ecosystem. By utilizing a food-scanning feature within the app, users can monitor caloric intake and macronutrients.
The system doesn’t just store data; it provides:
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Comprehensive Reporting: View trends across daily, weekly, or yearly intervals.
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AI Insights: Receive personalized feedback on how dietary choices influence overall wellness and recovery.
Compatible Devices and Subscription Barriers
The beta is currently rolling out to three specific models: the Venu 4, Venu X1, and vivoactive 6. However, there is a significant “catch” for those eager to try the new nutrition features.
Because this is a Connect+ exclusive, users must have an active subscription—priced at $6.99 per month—to access the logging tools. Furthermore, early hands-on reports from tech reviewers like DC Rainmaker and the5krunner suggest that the feature may still have some performance bugs that need ironing out before a wide release.
How to Install the Update
For those enrolled in Garmin’s Beta Program, the software arrived roughly ten days after the previous 16.14 version. If you own a supported device, you can trigger the download manually by navigating through the watch menus:
Main Menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.
While this beta focuses heavily on the subscription-based nutrition tool, the final stable version of the 16.xx firmware is expected to bundle a wider variety of features for the general public later this year.
