Garmin smartwatch users just got a major upgrade they’ve been waiting years for.
The fitness tracking giant finally solved one of their biggest complaints.
And Garmin just hammered out one deal that’ll change how you navigate forever.
Google Maps comes to your wrist
Garmin announced on Tuesday that Google Maps has launched as a free download in their Connect IQ Store, delivering wrist-based navigation to compatible smartwatches.¹
The application supports various Garmin models including Venu, Forerunner, vívoactive and fenix series, enabling users to set destinations through their Android phones and get navigation alerts on their wrists.
“Whether exploring a new city, mapping out a run or casually cycling with friends, the Google Maps app in the Connect IQ store will keep users going in the right direction. The turn-by-turn notifications will be a game changer for those who want to stay hands-free and keep their phone in their pocket,” said Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing.²
The integration delivers navigation alerts that vibrate gently on the wrist, allowing users to navigate without constantly checking their phones while walking through busy areas or crossing intersections.
Users who want additional navigation details can access the app directly to view the next three turns ahead.
Perfect timing for fitness enthusiasts
Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate that they can simultaneously track their workout metrics and receive navigation guidance during activities.
Users can monitor distance, heart rate, pace, and other fitness data while getting directional prompts for unfamiliar routes.
After completing their workout, activity information transfers from Garmin Connect to other Android fitness applications through Health Connect integration.³
The feature works by starting navigation on a paired Android phone, which then mirrors the route information to the smartwatch in real-time.
This setup provides estimated time of arrival and map previews directly on the watch face.
How the technology actually works
The Google Maps integration follows a similar model to what’s already available on Wear OS 3 smartwatches.
After users input a destination into Google Maps on their Android smartphone, the app sends notifications to their watch, letting them know about each upcoming turn while they walk, run or cycle.³
The system supports walking, cycling, and driving, though the original press release doesn’t specify all transportation modes.
Garmin’s press release focuses on the basic functionality: users input destinations on their Android phones, and the watch receives turn-by-turn notifications with gentle vibrations.⁴
Connect IQ Store gets a major boost
The Google Maps addition represents a significant expansion of Garmin’s Connect IQ Store ecosystem.
The Connect IQ Store serves as an all-in-one source for Garmin customers looking to personalize their compatible devices with thousands of available options.
Users can download apps, watch faces, music streaming services and more directly to their devices. The Connect IQ Store is accessible through the Google Play and Apple App Store.⁵
In recent months, Garmin has been expanding the store’s capabilities, including the addition of paid apps and premium watch faces from major brands like Disney, Marvel, and Porsche.⁶
The company has also been working to improve quality control in the store, recently implementing stricter policies around copycat watch faces and designs.⁷
Privacy considerations to keep in mind
While the integration offers great convenience, users should be aware of the data implications.
Google’s business model relies heavily on collecting user data, with advertising making up 77% of parent company Alphabet’s revenue.⁹
Privacy experts note that when you use Google Maps on any device, location data, search patterns, and usage habits get collected and analyzed.
Garmin has generally received positive marks from privacy advocates, with Mozilla noting that the company does “one of the best jobs handling the privacy and security of all the personal data.”⁸
However, the integration with Google Maps does create new data-sharing pathways that privacy-conscious users should consider.
Garmin’s privacy policy allows for data sharing with third parties when users grant consent, which is typically required to use connected features and services.⁹
What this means for the future
The Google Maps integration signals Garmin’s commitment to expanding their smartwatch capabilities beyond pure fitness tracking.
By partnering with one of the world’s most popular navigation services, Garmin is positioning their devices as comprehensive lifestyle companions rather than just workout tools.
This move puts Garmin in better competition with Apple Watch and other smartwatch platforms that already offer robust navigation features.
The integration also opens the door for potential future partnerships with other Google services, though nothing has been announced yet.
For users who’ve been frustrated by Garmin’s limited navigation options in the past, this update addresses one of the platform’s biggest weaknesses.
The Google Maps app is available now for free download in the Connect IQ Store, making it immediately accessible to millions of compatible Garmin device owners.
This represents exactly the kind of practical, user-focused improvement that Garmin users have been requesting for years.
Notes:
¹ Garmin International, Inc., “Garmin smartwatches add turn-by-turn directions with Google Maps,” PR Newswire, July 8, 2025.
² Ibid.
³ Ibid.
⁴ Garmin Rumors, “Google Maps and Garmin Watch Integration Could Come Soon,” accessed July 8, 2025.
⁵ Garmin International, Inc., “Garmin smartwatches add turn-by-turn directions with Google Maps,” PR Newswire, July 8, 2025.
⁶ TheWearify, “Garmin Introduces Paid Apps and Watch Faces to Connect IQ Store,” August 7, 2024.
⁷ The5krunner, “Garmin Stops Watchface Copies – what Impact on Connect+?” June 2, 2025.
⁸ Threadcurve, “Smartwatch privacy: the best and worst,” February 25, 2025.
⁹ Believe in the Run, “We Analyzed the Privacy Policies of 6 Run Tracking Devices: Here’s What We Found,” August 25, 2023.