Garmin expands Connect+ features, upsetting watch fans
- Garmin's CEO announced plans to place more features behind the Connect+ paywall during a recent earnings call.
- Users have reacted negatively, citing concerns about increased costs and accusing Garmin of prioritizing profits over customer care.
- The long-term strategy indicates that while basic features will remain free, premium options will become a focus for the company going forward.
In early May 2025, Garmin's Q1 earnings call raised significant attention regarding the company's plans to enhance its Connect+ subscription service. During the call, CEO Clifton Pemble indicated that more features would be reserved for Connect+ subscribers, reinforcing the company's dedication to developing its Garmin Connect platform along with a commitment to providing basic features to all users. Despite this commitment, the planned changes have sparked backlash from enthusiasts, with many voicing concerns about the introduction of paid features in an already robust platform. Supporting these sentiments, online communities such as Reddit saw criticisms of Garmin branding it as greedy, and some users even threatening to abandon the brand's watches altogether due to these changes. However, the company seems undeterred and has signaled that Connect+ is a vital component of its future strategy within the fitness segment. Currently, Garmin Connect+ offers AI-generated summaries and live tracking, yet there are anticipations for future additions to escalate its service offering, potentially positioning it against competitors like Runna. At a subscription cost of $6.99 monthly, the company aims to build premium paid services while maintaining engaging free user options like Garmin Coach. The trajectory of Garmin Connect+, staying true to Garmin's long-term vision, indicates a continued transition into paid services, despite backlash, ensuring that the brand remains relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving fitness tech landscape.