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Garmin lets third‑party apps use watch mic and speaker
The new Connect IQ 9.3 update gives developers direct access to the microphones and speakers on a range of Garmin watches.
24 Oct 2026 0 reads Compiled with AI
Garmin's latest Connect IQ 9.3 update now lets third‑party developers use the microphones and speakers on supported watches. The change adds an Audio Capture API that can feed recorded sound directly into an app, and an Output API that lets apps play audio and control playback. Devices that support the new module include the Fenix 8 and Fenix 9 series, the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970, the Venu 4 and Venu X1, and the Approach S72, among others.
The new APIs open a range of possibilities, from voice notes and custom alerts to spoken coaching and apps that accept voice input. Developers can also pair recordings with online services for transcription or AI processing. However, recordings can only happen while the app is active, and apps need permission to use the microphone or speaker, so users can see when an app asks for access. Developers will also need to weigh battery impact, since Garmin's own OK Garmin voice feature has already noticeably affected battery life.