On 21 October 2026, Garmin began the rollout of the YouTube Music app for the Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro smartwatches. Users can now install the app from the Connect IQ Store and download playlists for offline playback.
The Fenix 9 watches are equipped with 64 GB of built-in storage, which allows storing up to 7000 tracks. The app works only with downloaded music and requires a YouTube Music Premium or YouTube Premium subscription. Direct streaming playback through the watch is not available — tracks must be downloaded in advance via a smartphone.
At the same time, Garmin released the Connect IQ SDK 9.3.0. The new version gives developers access to the microphone, speaker and LTE on the Fenix 9, Fenix 9 Pro and a number of other devices. Apps can now record audio in WAV or Opus formats, play sound and manage the LTE connection.
YouTube Music had previously already worked on the Fenix 7, Epix and other models since 2024. Owners of the flagship Fenix 9 series waited for support for almost two months after the watch launched in August 2026. The rollout is happening gradually: some users in Europe, in particular in Germany, do not yet see the app in the store.
The SDK update also includes support for themes and skins for watch faces, as well as access to new satellite modes on the Fenix 9. Developers will be able to create apps that use the microphone and speaker, but the actual features will appear only after third-party apps are updated.
For Fenix 9 owners who use YouTube Music as their main service, the update closes a notable gap compared with previous generations. Those who do not need this app will get additional opportunities for third-party developers in the coming months.
