Garmin customers can stay connected with WhatsApp on their smartwatch
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.
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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.
Details
News Market Reaction – GRMN
On Mar 17, the day this news came out, GRMN closed 0.11% above the previous close.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Mar 17 session.
Key Figures
- Chat history on watch
- up to 10 messages
- Messages shown on Garmin WhatsApp smartwatch app
- Launch date
- March 17, 2026
- Announcement date for WhatsApp app on Garmin smartwatches
Historical Context
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Introduced GT360UHD 360-degree sonar with motorized Spy Pole and new pricing.
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Launched Garmin Community Champions program for marathon series local leaders.
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Published 2025 inReach SOS incident report with usage and trend data.
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Reported record Q4 and 2025 revenue, higher EPS, dividend hike and buyback.
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Unveiled Garmin Catalyst 2 racetrack optimizer with advanced telemetry features.
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Key Terms
end-to-end encryption technical
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. 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
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