Garmin, known for its robust and feature-rich GPS watches, is facing a wave of discontent from its user base—especially those who invested in the premium Fenix 7 Pro series (which includes the Epix Pro). At the heart of the issue is a perceived disparity in software update support, with many users feeling that their expensive flagship devices are being neglected in favor of older and mid-tier models like the Forerunner 255, 265, 955, and 965. This has sparked heated debates on online forums, with some suggesting that Garmin is deliberately prioritizing newer models. While the frustration is palpable, recent beta updates for the Fenix 7 series hint at a more nuanced situation, as some users even advocate for stability over constant new features.
The Case for User Frustration: Flagship Neglect
The primary complaint is that the Fenix 7 Pro series appears to have been relegated to "maintenance mode" only 18 months after its release. This is particularly frustrating when compared to the Forerunner 255—which debuted a full year earlier and at roughly half the price—yet is receiving more frequent updates and new features. The inconsistency has not gone unnoticed by the Garmin community. For example, u/optivery stated:
"A flagship watch, released a full year later and costing over twice as much as the Forerunner 255, got worse update support. This is ridiculous!"
This sentiment is echoed by many others who feel shortchanged. Some users point out that the Fenix 7 Pro series has missed out on features introduced in Garmin's Q4 2024 and Q1 2025 update roadmaps—such as Strength Coach, meditation activities, and enhanced training tools—even though these are largely software-based and not dependent on hardware upgrades.
The frustration extends to the quality of the updates themselves. Several users have noted that recent updates for the Fenix 7 have introduced more bugs than they fix. One user commented:
"Recent Fenix 7 updates introduce more bugs than they fix."
— source
European and Australian users have additional reasons for complaint. Although ECG functionality has recently been approved in the EU and Australia, Garmin has not enabled this feature on the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro outside the US—even though the devices have the capability. Many interpret this as a deliberate move to force upgrades to the Fenix 8. As u/Beneficial-Egg5 noted:
"This does nothing to help someone who just bought a Fenix 7 Pro last year. Or someone who is new to Garmin? They really haven’t made a good impression."
Adding to the sense of betrayal, some users feel that Garmin’s overall approach to software updates is inadequate. For instance, u/Horror-Breakfast-704 commented:
"A watch costing $400 or upwards should be supported for as long as a budget Samsung smartphone. Yet here we are, paying premium prices for outdated software."
Another user encapsulated the sentiment by remarking:
"Fenix users don't pay $1,000 to have less functionality than users of the mid-range Forerunners!"
— source
The core of the complaint, as summarized by u/optivery, is:
"It's not strictly about the Fenix 7 Pro not getting new features, but why cheaper and older watches get them and the flagship watch doesn't."
The Community's Response: A Call for Transparency and Fair Treatment
This situation has sparked a movement within the Garmin community, with users calling for more transparency and fair update policies. Key demands include:
- Consistent Software Support: Flagship devices should receive updates over a reasonable timeframe.
- Feature Parity: Where hardware permits, flagship devices should enjoy the same software features as mid-tier models.
- Clear Roadmaps: Garmin should provide a clear, long-term plan for software updates.
Users are taking to various platforms—forums, social media, and review sites—to voice their concerns. Some have even suggested an economic protest by urging others to refrain from buying the newest models, aiming to send a message about Garmin's update strategy. However, as u/LeifCarrotson observed:
"The problem is that this kind of economic protest gets completely lost in the noise."
The Counterpoint: Garmin's Perspective
While user frustration is understandable, it's important to consider other facets of the situation. Garmin has been actively releasing beta software updates for the Fenix 7 series. In the past five weeks alone, there have been four beta updates to the 20.xx software. The most recent beta update, version 20.14, includes several bug fixes and improvements, such as:
- Added an open connections notification to the heart rate broadcast app.
- Fixed an abnormal cadence issue when using the metronome.
- Corrected the color of the BMX cycling profile.
- Fixed an issue where the map was not fully drawing.
- Resolved a problem with map settings not updating when changed.
These updates demonstrate that Garmin has not completely abandoned the Fenix 7 Pro series—even if the updates aren’t as feature-rich as some users desire. It’s also worth noting that the beta program enables users to test software updates before they are released to the public.
Some users argue that a focus on new features can overlook the core functionality of these devices. For example, u/Such_Benefit_3928 points out:
"The Fenix 7 Pro still has everything it had when you bought it. Sure, it hasn't a shiny new feature you may or may not care about, but that feature can't be the reason you bought the watch because you didn't even know it existed."
Many users are satisfied with the current functionality of their watches and prefer stability over potentially buggy new features. u/tallanvor explained:
"Seriously. I mean, would EKG functionality be nice? Sure. But there was never a promise of it or any other new functionality. I had my Fenix 3 for almost 6 years and upgraded once there were enough new features in the new ones to justify the cost."
This perspective is echoed by u/planetrebellion:
"I have a Fenix 7 and could not give a shit about new features. It does what it needs to do already."
Similarly, u/trebec86 remarked:
"I know what I bought, I knew what the features were and I don’t expect any meaningful changes. Bug fixes are fine or whatever."
Another viewpoint, from u/Odd_Specialist_2672, suggests that the Forerunner 255 and 955 may share a software base with their newer siblings—allowing Garmin to update them more easily. In support of this, u/kborer22 noted that the Forerunner and Fenix development teams are separate, each with its own feature roadmap.
It’s also worth noting that some users have found new features to introduce bugs and other issues, with a number even preferring older software versions. Additionally, u/Steve_FSG observed:
"Garmin sell a product with no guarantee of additional features. This is not an Apple product. Garmin sell a one-off device. It does what it does at the time being sold and nothing more. Don’t ever buy a Garmin product thinking it will have new features down the line."
Some users also point out that the Fenix line isn’t necessarily the flagship in every respect—that the Forerunner series is more focused on sports, while the Fenix is seen as an "all-rounder" watch.
Speculation on Garmin's Strategy
Some users speculate that Garmin is intentionally withholding features from the Fenix 7 series to drive sales of the newer Fenix 8. u/purplehornet1973 speculated:
"My suspicion... is that the flagship Fenix 8 features... have proven to be largely useless to most, so Garmin are now hanging on to any and all other differential features between models to convince folks the upgrade is worth it."
This theory is further supported by the fact that Garmin released a renamed Epix Gen 2 (the Fenix E) specifically for users seeking the latest software—suggesting a rather cynical business strategy. Some users argue that Garmin is targeting customers who are willing to buy new models every year, while overlooking those who prefer to wait for meaningful upgrades.
Another perspective is that the Fenix line is inherently more complicated to update with new features because it was originally designed as an outdoor product that borrowed elements from fitness devices. As a result, the cost and complexity of integrating new features into older Fenix models may be higher than users realize.
It has also been suggested that the Forerunner line sells in greater volumes than the Fenix, making it more sensible for Garmin to concentrate development resources on the series that drives higher revenue.
Overall, there are many opinions and theories—but no official word from Garmin. This lack of communication only exacerbates user frustration. As u/SoCorsu lamented:
"This is insane, and the most biggest issue no Communication for their customers from Garmin!"
Conclusion: A Need for Balance
The Garmin update controversy highlights the complexities of balancing innovation, customer satisfaction, and business strategy. While users have valid reasons for frustration—especially given the premium price of the Fenix 7 Pro—the recent beta updates suggest that Garmin hasn't entirely abandoned the series.
Moving forward, it would benefit Garmin to address these concerns with greater transparency and clarify its long-term plans for software support. As u/optivery stated:
"This topic is probably the last chance for Garmin to hear its users and start taking them seriously."
By doing so, Garmin may avoid alienating its loyal customers and maintain its standing as a leader in the GPS watch market.
Ultimately, consumers should be aware of the features their device offers at the time of purchase, as future updates are not guaranteed. As u/jiromilo noted:
"This has been true on Garmin for ages. Their software features do not make any sense; for example, the Venu/vivo line has features not present even in the more expensive lines such as Fenix/epoxy/forerunners with auto activity start."
This issue has created a division among users—some frustrated by the lack of new features on their premium watch, and others content with what they have. It remains to be seen whether Garmin can find a balance that satisfies all its users.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on sources and user opinions expressed in the original Reddit thread and does not represent an official statement from Garmin.