Garmin announced a new WhatsApp app for select Garmin smartwatches, now available for free in the Connect IQ Store. Those with a compatible smartwatch, including select fēnix, Forerunner, Venu and vívoactive products, can quickly communicate with others—all while keeping their phone in their pocket.

When using the WhatsApp app on their smartwatch, Garmin customers 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

“Collaborating with WhatsApp underscores the strength and momentum of the Garmin Connect IQ ecosystem. By bringing a global messaging brand like WhatsApp to select Garmin smartwatches, we’re giving customers another meaningful way to stay connected—whether they’re training, exploring or simply on the move,” says Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing.

As always, personal messages and calls on WhatsApp remain protected by end-to-end encryption, so only the user and the person they are talking to can read or listen to them, says a press release.

Garmin customers can download the WhatsApp app now in the Connect IQ Store.

Furthering innovation through the Garmin developer program

WhatsApp is the first and only third-party messaging app currently available on Garmin smartwatches, made possible through Garmin’s robust developer program and Connect IQ platform.  

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“WhatsApp helps people stay connected no matter what platform they use. We’re proud to bring WhatsApp to Garmin smartwatches, so that more people can keep their private conversations going right from their wrist,” says Nikhil Joshi, Director of Product Management at Meta.

For those interested in building unique wearable experiences leveraging Garmin device sensors and features, click here to learn more about developing in Connect IQ.

The Connect IQ Store is an all-in-one source for Garmin customers looking to personalize their compatible Garmin devices. With thousands of options to choose from, users can download apps, watch faces, music streaming services and more right to their device. The Connect IQ Store is accessible through the Google Play and Apple App Store. For more information, email our media team or connect with us on LinkedIn.