Garmin adds a native WhatsApp app to Connect IQ, bringing full chat replies to more watches

Garmin has introduced an official WhatsApp app for its Connect IQ Store, marking the first time the company has offered a native third-party messaging experience on its watches.

The move brings a more complete communications option to devices long known for fitness and training features.

The WhatsApp app supports viewing conversation threads and responding from the watch using an on-screen keyboard, alongside emojis and message reactions. Garmin says the interface is designed for quick access, showing recent messages in a streamlined layout.

Beyond chats, the app also surfaces incoming WhatsApp calls on the watch, allowing users to decline without pulling out their phone. Like most smartwatch messaging features, it relies on a paired smartphone connection rather than operating as a fully standalone service.

A push beyond fitness basics

The update narrows a long-standing gap between Garmin and rivals such as Apple Watch and Wear OS devices, where richer messaging has been standard for years. For Garmin users, it offers more day-to-day convenience without sacrificing the brand’s focus on training and outdoor tools.

It also signals a broader effort to make Connect IQ more appealing to mainstream users and major app partners. The WhatsApp launch follows other recent lifestyle-oriented additions, suggesting Garmin is trying to turn more of its sports watches into all-day wearables.

For now, the WhatsApp experience is framed as an extension of the phone rather than a replacement, which means independence will still depend on hardware connectivity options. Still, the arrival of a high-demand messaging app is likely to raise expectations for what comes next on Garmin’s platform.