Garmin CEO Confirms Connect+ and inReach Subscription Revenue Is Accelerating

Garmin's CEO has publicly confirmed that the company's subscription services, Connect+ and inReach, are growing as fast or faster than the rest of the business. That is a significant admission from a brand that built its reputation entirely on hardware. For endurance athletes already paying 600-plus dollars for an Epix Pro or Fenix 8, the push toward recurring fees is worth watching closely.

Connect+ launched as Garmin's answer to Whoop's subscription model and Apple's Fitness+ tier. The difference is that Garmin locks premium analytics and certain coaching features behind the paywall on top of an already expensive device. Whoop charges a monthly fee but gives you the hardware for free or heavily discounted. Different bets on consumer behavior.

The CEO also pointed to one specific feature driving sign-ups, though The5kRunner's source did not name it directly. Based on current Connect+ feature sets, the most likely candidate is the AI-assisted daily suggested workouts or the real-time stamina and race predictor tools. Both rely on aggregated cloud processing that Garmin argues justifies the ongoing cost. For a Hyrox or triathlon athlete training across swim, bike, and run, those predictive tools do carry real practical value.

InReach growth makes sense on its own terms. Satellite messaging for ultrarunners and adventure cyclists is a genuine safety tool, not a vanity feature. Garmin competes with Zoleo and SPOT here, and the integration with watches like the Fenix 8 Solar keeps the ecosystem sticky. Expansion into new markets mentioned by the CEO likely means more regional inReach coverage, not new product categories.

The verdict: Garmin is becoming a software and services company that also sells watches. Not inherently bad. But if you are buying a Forerunner 965 or Epix in 2026, budget for the subscription or you will feel the feature ceiling.