The changes to the Fenix 9 series are most easily grouped into two groups: hardware changes and software changes. While this has always been true in the past, the biggest change here is that unlike past generational leaps where Garmin abandoned existing models for software updates, the Fenix 9 does not. Instead, all existing Fenix 8 series devices will get virtually all software updates (minus some hardware-dependent ones). Even more, those changes will also apply to most non-Fenix watches on the same platform, such as the Forerunner 970, Venu X1, Forerunner 570, and many more within the new common GarminOS platform (semi-official name). Now, I’ll have a lot more details on Fenix 9 over the next while… once I untangle the giant box of Fenix 9 units that’s been stuck in customs jail for a while. Win some, lose some…. The software changes: When it comes to new software features, as noted above, virtually all of them are coming to the Fenix 8, Enduro 3, Tactix 8 series, as well as the Forerunner 970/570, Fenix E, and Venu X1. A part of them also for Venu 5, Vivoactive 6 and other additional features for other ‘new platform’ devices. As a quick reminder, last summer (2025), before the launch of the Fenix 8 Pro, Garmin consolidated its software platform behind the scenes. While each brand has slight differences/styles in the (visual) user interface, the code base is now consolidated. This has resulted in virtually all watches on the platform getting virtually all new features (except for a few saved for high-end devices). However, historically, every time Garmin ‘jumped’ a model version, it abandoned the previous one. For example, Fenix 6 devices didn’t get the features of Fenix 7 or Fenix 7 Pro. Fenix 7/7Pro devices didn’t get the new features of Fenix 8 or Fenix 8 Pro. With the same numbering they would, but other than that, tough luck. This change represents a *MASSIVE* change for Garmin. While the dust is still settling, it can’t be overstated enough as to how big the change is. It means that if you have a Fenix 8 watch, you will get almost all these features. The same goes for a Forerunner 970 watch. For something like the Forerunner 570, you’ll get those that are “applicable” to the watch. For example, the Forerunner 570 had no endurance, so you wouldn’t get the expanded endurance features. The same goes for mapping things, since you didn’t do mapping. The only caveat about the Fenix 8 is that you won’t get the items listed in the Mapping sections below. The reason is apparently tied to a completely new mapping engine under the covers, which is specific to the Fenix 9 series. The Fenix 9 Pro has a newer processor (than the base Fenix 9), which accounts for bigger increases in mapping speed. Likewise, the renamed satellite battery modes won’t apply to other devices, but I honestly see it as a good thing (more on why later). And finally, the new archery feature (ArcheryX) will no longer be available on other watches. Finally, there are other features that are lit even for older watches (via Garmin Connect), such as the Garmin Epic feature, Endurance Score expansions, FindMyPeoples Messenger update, etc. No features here require Garmin Connect+, which is notable. In any case, dig into all of these software-specific changes (both on the device and via the Garmin Connect app): – New Garmin Epic feature added, grouping multi-day events/adventures (both on the device and Garmin Connect) – New endurance zone concept (see below, both on the device and Garmin Connect) – New endurance endurance time concept added – New endurance trends feature added (on Garmin Connect) – New graphs/curves added of resistance for running and cycling – Added new Rucking/Pack Weight calorie breakdown for activities (across multiple sport profiles): Revamped algorithms around pack weight, to more accurately cover caloric impacts. Added a new Rucking Target Calculator on the watch – it can tell you how far you need to go for a given target and pack weight. Added the ability to change pack weight mid-activity. Added dedicated Rucking reports (summarizing pack weight, calories, elevation and pace). Added Rucking multisport mode option. Structured Rucking Workouts on Device with GoRuck – Added new Ski Erg profile (officially called ‘XC Ski Indoor’) – Big update/change for indoor rowing – Added new heart rate zones for rowing and max heart rate – Added new power zones and power curves for running – Added new indoor rowing FTP values/estimation – Added new VO2Max values in indoor rowing – Added lactate threshold for rowing and performance condition – Added indoor rowing activity profile countdown Timer (5 second timer, so you can prepare) – Added support for indoor rowing to update training status (e.g. productive, unproductive, etc.) – Added new Garmin Locate feature within the Garmin Messenger app – Added the ability to view athlete’s heart rate, pace, distance, and elevation information in the Garmin Messenger app – Added updates feature inReach weather (get weather updates via satellite) – Added Rolling GAP as a data field (kilometers and miles) – Added Rolling GAP as a structured training target option – Added a new on-device watch face editor (AMOLED models only) – Added a new ‘Field Tools’ feature, including ABC, Height Measurement, Waypoint and more. I describe all of these features in the video above, one by one, how they all work and more details about each one. I will expand this post shortly with more photos, etc…stay tuned! Note that for features like Epic, you can access Garmin Connect Mobile right now and set it up for past adventures with any watch. I made it today, for my Tour du Mont Blanc adventure in 2022, based on older Garmin Fenix 7, Enduro 2 and Forerunner 955 watches. Only the summary parts of the device need newer hardware. Fenix 9 series features only: There are now some features that are not available on previous units, for slightly different reasons each. Here’s the quick version, and then I’ll explain why: – Added new dynamic battery modes, which basically simplify the naming of satellite modes – Removed forced multiband satellite option (all versions now have a SatIQ variant) – Mapping: new perspective view (a sort of tilted map view) – Mapping: smoother/faster zoom – Mapping: more responsive heading (orientation) updates – Added new ArcheryX feature For those related With mapping, Garmin says they are relying on an entirely new mapping engine in the Fenix 9. That new mapping engine takes advantage of the hardware differences in the Fenix 9, including 50% more memory, more storage, and also, in the Fenix 9 Pro variant, there is an entirely new processor. Garmin noted that differences between map pan speeds/etc. The base Fenix 9 to the Fenix 9 Pro are actually not that different (the claim is that the panning and calculation speeds are 30-40% faster than the Fenix 8, compared to the Fenix 9 Pro). Which means most of these speeds come from rewriting and probably more memory. As for the new dynamic drum modes, they’re mostly just a renaming of the existing modes and the removal of the forced multiband option. Garmin says they are standardizing all battery claims on all new products going forward into this set of four modes, as seen below: I understand why they don’t want to ship these battery mode names to older units, as that would force them to redo all the battery claims for each model. Which, I think we can all agree, would be a huge headache. I wouldn’t change the underwritten claims, but just rename the modes slightly. So it’s fair. As for the ArcheryX feature, well… upsells will increase sales! That being said, I’m fine with letting the people at Robinhood keep one for the team, us being the team. Sorry folks, I still think you’re great! Looking ahead: It’s hard to overstate how big this change is for Garmin. This is the first time in… well… probably the last 15+ years, that Garmin has returned features to a different generation of wearable products. There were times on the Edge cycling units where features were reverted to previous generations in certain scenarios, but even then, it wasn’t really seen as a single cohesive product grouping. While now, Garmin analyzes the firmware of these models as a single group: the Fenix 8/8 Pro/9/9Pro/etc variants along with those of the other “modern” models of the Forerunner and Venu lines. This obviously won’t help Fenix 6 or Fenix 7 users. It also won’t help variants like the Instinct 3 series that dance to their own beat. But a *ton* of Garmin-derived models (think Tactix, Approach, etc.) are based on the new common GarminOS operating system. The point is that I and many others have given Garmin a pretty hard time with this over the years. Heck, I did an in-depth review of the Pixel Watch 5 last night in which I gave Garmin a hard time for this. This changes that. But hopefully it will also stick. Only time will tell. Speaking of timing, there’s still no very clear public timeline for when firmware updates will roll out to existing devices. I’m waiting to hear back on whether this is the very short-term quarterly maintenance release (which would be any day or week), or the next one later this fall. I’ll update once I hear back. That said, thanks for reading and stay tuned for more in-depth tests and thoughts on the Fenix 9 very soon. Well, UPS is willing… Did you find this post helpful? Support the site! We hope you found this review/post useful. At the end of the day, I’m an athlete like you who looks for as much detail as possible in a new purchase, so my review is written from the standpoint of how I used the device. It usually takes many hours to prepare reviews, so it’s quite a bit of work (and labor of love). As you’ve probably noticed by looking below, I also take the time to answer all the questions posted in the comments, and there’s quite a bit of detail in there too. If you are purchasing Garmin Fenix 9 AMOLED or any other accessories, consider using the affiliate links below. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but your purchases go a long way toward supporting this website. Here are some other variants or sister products worth considering: And of course, you can always sign up to be a DCR patron! That gives you ad-free DCR, access to the DCR Shed Talkin’ video series packed with behind-the-scenes tidbits… and it also makes you awesome. And being awesome is what it’s all about! Thanks for reading! And as always, feel free to post comments or questions in the comments section below. I will be happy to try to answer them as quickly as possible. 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