Garmin users, rejoice — you no longer need to rely on read-only notifications for the world’s most popular messaging app.
After years of being relegated as the silent wearable in the smartwatch world, (select) Garmin users can finally reply back to WhatsApp messages.
Garmin highlighted the development in a new press release, indicating compatibility with a select few series. Compatible devices include:
- D2 Air X15
- Enduro 3
- fēnix 8
- fēnix 8 Pro
- fēnix 8 Solar
- fēnix 8 Dual Power
- fēnix E
- Forerunner 570 – 42mm
- Forerunner 970
- tactix 8
- Venu 4
- Venu X1
- vívoactive 6
This isn’t just Garmin fetching notifications from your phone. It is a full-blown app developed by Meta and Garmin.
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When using the new app, Garmin smartwatch users can:
- View recent messages and conversations at a glance.
- Read and reply to messages using the built-in keyboard.
- Quickly send emojis and reactions to messages.
- See more chat history with up to 10 messages shown on screen.
- See incoming calls with the option to decline.
As is the case with regular WhatsApp, personal messages and calls will remain end-to-end encrypted.
The rollout makes WhatsApp the “first and only” third-party messaging app available on Garmin wearables. Head to the Connect IQ Store to download the messaging app for your Garmin watch. Ensure that you’re running the latest versions of both WhatsApp and the Connect app on your phone.
Additional note for iOS users: You’d need to ensure WhatsApp has Bluetooth permissions enabled in your iOS settings.
