Garmin users should start bracing for more subscription-only features

For the reason that launch of Join Plus in March, Garmin users have been anxious about the way forward for their units. These users aren’t simply upset concerning the mere introduction of a subscription service; there’s a palpable concern about what this paywall might imply for new features going ahead. A current earnings name seems to indicate that there could also be some substance behind these fears.

Garmin lately performed an earnings name for the primary quarter of 2025. Throughout this name, the corporate introduced an 11% enchancment 12 months on 12 months, netting earnings of $1.54 billion. On prime of that, Garmin reached a report $330 million in working revenue. Across the 16:30 minute mark, the decision was opened up for questions.

When requested concerning the launch of Join Plus and why the choice was made, CEO Cliff Pemble acknowledged:

I believe we’ve been saying for some time that we’re evaluating alternatives to have a premium providing on Garmin Join. I believe the developments of AI and notably round AI-based insights for our users was a kind of issues that we felt was essential to acknowledge the worth for the funding that it takes to do.

Pemble went on to say that the corporate “felt prefer it was the correct time” and added that they haven’t taken away any beforehand free features. Though the smartwatch maker might not have any plans to remove beforehand free features, Pemble appeared to substantiate what users have been worrying about over the previous few weeks.

Whereas discussing the assorted features Garmin affords, Pemble says “sure ones, we’ll doubtless reserve for premium choices.” That means that the corporate might deal with making Join Plus a more sturdy providing by engaged on features that can be hidden behind the subscription.

Contemplating that one of many greatest complaints about Join Plus is how underwhelming it’s, Garmin wanting to construct out its service doesn’t come as a giant shock. Sadly, if Join Plus is to develop into a service worthy of a subscription, such a transfer is important. Nonetheless, realizing this doesn’t precisely ease the sting that comes with realizing more and more features might develop into unique to Join Plus.