Garmin customers can stay connected with WhatsApp on their smartwatch
Rhea-AI Summary
Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) announced on March 17, 2026 that a WhatsApp app is now available free in the Connect IQ Store for select fēnix, Forerunner, Venu and vívoactive smartwatches.
Users can read, reply, react with emojis, view up to 10 messages on screen and decline incoming calls while keeping their phone paired and protected by end-to-end encryption.
Positive
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Negative
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News Market Reaction – GRMN
On the day this news was published, GRMN gained 0.11%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
GRMN was up 0.56% while key peers KEYS, TDY, FTV, TRMB and COHR showed declines between about -0.06% and -3%. Momentum data also shows COHR down and MKSI up, reinforcing a mixed sector backdrop and suggesting this smartwatch-WhatsApp integration was more company-specific than sector-driven.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 10 | Marine product launch | Positive | -0.5% | Introduced GT360UHD 360-degree sonar with motorized Spy Pole and new pricing. |
| Mar 03 | Community initiative | Positive | -1.8% | Launched Garmin Community Champions program for marathon series local leaders. |
| Feb 25 | SOS report release | Neutral | +0.2% | Published 2025 inReach SOS incident report with usage and trend data. |
| Feb 18 | Earnings results | Positive | +9.4% | Reported record Q4 and 2025 revenue, higher EPS, dividend hike and buyback. |
| Feb 17 | Auto device launch | Positive | +1.0% | Unveiled Garmin Catalyst 2 racetrack optimizer with advanced telemetry features. |
Product and program announcements have drawn mixed reactions, while strong earnings saw a clearly positive move.
Over recent months, Garmin has combined product innovation, community engagement, and strong fundamentals. The company launched devices like the Garmin Catalyst 2 and GT360UHD sonar, alongside initiatives such as the Garmin Community Champions program. On Feb 18, 2026, record results with fiscal 2025 revenue of $7.25B and a proposed $4.20 dividend coincided with a 9.44% gain. Today’s WhatsApp smartwatch integration fits the pattern of expanding the ecosystem and connected features on top of that growth backdrop.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights a deeper integration between Garmin smartwatches and WhatsApp, letting users read, reply and react to messages directly from their wrist with up to 10 messages visible. It follows a series of product launches and record 2025 financial results of $7.25B in revenue. Investors may monitor user adoption within the Connect IQ Store and whether additional third-party apps follow as Garmin expands its smartwatch ecosystem and developer platform.
Key Terms
end-to-end encryption technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Customers can read, reply and react to messages right from their wrist
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
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.
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.
"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."
—Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing
"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."
—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.
1 Requires a paired Apple® or Android™ smartphone with the WhatsApp mobile app.
About Garmin International, Inc.
Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in
About WhatsApp
More than 3 billion people in over 180 countries use WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family, anytime and anywhere. WhatsApp is free and offers simple, secure, reliable messaging and calling, all over the world.
Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2025, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). Copies of such Form 10-K are available at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/investors/sec/. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Garmin
Stephanie Kelner and Natalie Miller
913-397-8200
media.relations@garmin.com
WhatsApp
Ellie Heatrick
ellieheatrick@meta.com
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SOURCE Garmin International, Inc.
FAQ
Which Garmin smartwatches support the new WhatsApp app announced March 17, 2026 (GRMN)?
What messaging features does the WhatsApp app deliver on Garmin watches (GRMN) as of March 17, 2026?
Where can Garmin customers download the WhatsApp app for compatible watches (GRMN)?
Does WhatsApp on Garmin smartwatches keep messages private for GRMN users?
Is the WhatsApp integration a first for Garmin smartwatches (GRMN) and what enables it?
What smartphone requirements are needed to use WhatsApp on Garmin watches (GRMN)?
