Garmin just released its Q2 update for May 2026. This update brings a lot of new features to many Garmin watches and bike computers.
But there is a catch. If you look at the official charts, Garmin is focusing mostly on its newest devices. Older popular watches like the fēnix 7 or Forerunner 965 are not on the list this time.
How to Read the Charts
In the official Garmin image, you can see exactly which devices get the new features:
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Black dots mean the device already had that feature.
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Light blue dots mean it is a brand-new feature added in this May 2026 update.
New Features for Smartwatches
Here is a simple breakdown of what is coming to different Garmin watches based on the picture above:
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Venu X1: These watches have three new things. They now have Approach CT1 Tag Compatibility, Recovery Mode, and Health Status History.
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Venu 4 and vívoactive 6: These models get all the features listed above, plus access to Premium Golf Features if you have a Golf Membership.
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Forerunner 570/970: These running watches get three new features, including Approach CT1 Tag Compatibility, Recovery Mode, and Health Status History.
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fēnix 8 Series (including Enduro 3, tactix 8, quatix 8, and D2 Mach 2): These high-end watches already had many of these features (black dots). However, this update gives them three new light blue features: Approach CT1 Tag Compatibility, Recovery Mode, and Health Status History.
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fēnix E: This watch gets two new features: Recovery Mode and Health Status History.
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Instinct 3, Instinct Crossover AMOLED, and Instinct E: The Instinct 3 gets the Workout Execution Score, Stocks Tracker, Mobility Activity, and Post-Activity Dive Guidance. The Instinct E versions get the Stocks Tracker and Mobility Activity.
What is Recovery Mode? This is a new safety feature added to many watches in this update. It helps the watch fix itself if the system crashes or has a software error.
New Features for Cycling Computers
If you use a Garmin Edge device for cycling, it shows that the Edge MTB, Edge 540/840/1040, and Edge 550/850/1050 are all getting the same two new light blue features:
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On-Device Gear Tracking
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Bosch eBike Compatibility
A Closer Look at the New Cycling Features
The second image shows exactly how these two new bike features work:
1. Gear Tracking on Your Edge Device
You no longer need to open your phone app to check your bike parts. Now, you can see everything right on your Garmin Edge screen. It tracks how many miles you have used your chain, cassette, tires, and even your shoe cleats. The screen shows clear progress bars and warns you when a part is getting old and needs to be replaced.
2. Bosch Smart System eBike Compatibility
If you ride an electric bike with a Bosch Smart System, you can now connect it wirelessly to your Garmin Edge. The screen will show your eBike’s battery level, how much farther you can ride (Smart Travel Range), and your regular cycling data like power and cadence.
Summary
This update brings great new tools, especially for people who ride bikes or own the latest Garmin watches. However, it also shows that Garmin is moving forward. If you want the newest features, you will need one of their latest gadgets.
