The Garmin Instinct has surprisingly received a few notable new features that have previously been rolled out to Garmin’s higher-end models. These are
- new BODY BATTERY Widget
- low ABNORMAL HR setting
- AUTOREST detection during pool swim
- ALTIMETER CALIBRATION improvements
Must Read: Garmin Instinct 2 Review Solar & Thoughts
The full list is further below but those are the main ones. I suspect that the Instinct won’t see too many more features from now on, although that will depend on exactly what is in this year‘s Garmin INSTINCT Solar…will that be a wholly new INSTINCT with several new hardware goodies or just a solar boosted version of the current one? My bet is the last one.
Last Updated on 20 January 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Maurten — the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — the small adapter that keeps your charging cable tidy at the stem. Essential for race day.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session.
- Ravemen FR300 — front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch.
- Stryd — the footpod that brings running power to your Garmin. The single most useful running upgrade I have made.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes.
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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. ID
