Chronos and Fenix 5 have had an interesting beta update to their firmware (details here)
Changes made from version 15.10 to 15.31:
- Added support for connecting to a shifting sensor (Sram Etap or Di2 bike) that supports up to 4 front and 12 rear gears.
Fixed an issue where steps were not being counted during a multisport activity.Fixed an issue where one wasn’t able to search near a waypoint.
Is this paving the way for 12-speed Di2 on a Shimano-based road bike? ie might this herald Garmin getting all their models in line for a Spring launch of something new from Shimano.
Sure I know Shimano already do 12-speed off-road and that 12-speed is supported by SRAM RED ETAP. And yes higher-spec Garmins (like my 945) already have (probably the exact same) Di2 support. Yet I’m not sure if Di2 officially works on any 12-speed system. Maybe it will soon? Maybe this is Garmin getting all their ducks in line for an impending release? (eg more work on the 530 firmware regarding 12-speed here too)
Maybe. Clutching. Straws. Slow News Day?…apart from Apple and Polar H9 and Circular Ring
2020-22 Speculation | Shimano Dura-Ace R9200p | Wireless Di2
Further reading: 2020 Bike Sales: Cervelo, Trek, Giant, Specialized, Bianc….
Last Updated on 9 April 2026 by the5krunner
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors.
All that is left is multi widgets scrolling and body battery and we are talking business
There are a couple of new entries this year by Garmin on the FCC website. One of which is a watch with a confidentiality request expiring in July.