Garmin has officially rolled out version 5.22 of its Connect app, introducing a subtle yet highly requested feature that simplifies how users monitor their gear. While the update includes various “under-the-hood” improvements, the standout addition is the integration of live battery percentages directly within the device management interface.
For long-time Garmin enthusiasts, this change represents a significant shift toward a more transparent and user-friendly ecosystem.
Seamless Monitoring via the Device Switcher
The primary highlight of the v5.22 update is the ability to view the exact battery life of every paired Garmin device at a single glance. Previously, users often had to navigate deep into specific device settings or wait for a full data synchronization to trigger a battery status update.
Now, as soon as you open the device list, the app pulls real-time power data from any connected smartwatch, cycling computer, or fitness tracker. This “glanceable” information ensures that you aren’t caught off guard by a low battery right before heading out for a long run or ride.
A Return to Functional Simplicity
Interestingly, this “new” feature feels more like a homecoming than a brand-new invention. Veterans of the Garmin platform may recall that similar, albeit less refined, battery indicators existed in the early iterations of the mobile app over a decade ago.
Between 2013 and 2015, basic icons would occasionally appear during sync cycles, but these were eventually phased out or buried in favor of a cleaner aesthetic. By bringing this data back to the forefront, Garmin is acknowledging that for many athletes, knowing their hardware’s readiness is just as important as viewing their training metrics.
Eliminating Friction for Multi-Device Users
The update is particularly beneficial for those who live within the full Garmin ecosystem. If you frequently swap between a rugged Fenix for hiking, a lightweight Forerunner for speedwork, and an Edge head unit for cycling, managing multiple charging schedules can be a chore.
The centralized battery view removes the guesswork. Instead of toggling between individual device pages to check which unit needs a charge, the dashboard now serves as a command center for your entire hardware collection.
Rollout Details and Platform Availability
As of the current release, version 5.22 is primarily available for iOS users on the Apple App Store. As is common with Garmin’s deployment strategy, the Android version is expected to follow shortly, pending final platform-specific optimizations.
While the update doesn’t introduce new physiological metrics or training algorithms, it addresses a persistent “pain point” in the user interface. By surfacing essential hardware data that was previously hidden, Garmin is demonstrating that sometimes the most impactful software updates are those that make the daily routine a little bit smoother.
Also Read: Garmin doubles down on Connect Plus as subscription growth outpaces expectations
Source: Reddit, Apple Store, Gadgets and Wearables
