Garmin's Fenix 9 Pro has GPS problems and app devs are frustrated

When it comes to squashing bugs, some companies are quicker than others. While Garmin is not exactly the fastest to roll out resolutions, it’s not the slowest either. At least, that’s the case when it comes to its own software. When it comes to third-party apps, it may be another case entirely. Now, some developers are calling the company out for its sluggish response times.

The recently launched Garmin Fenix 9 Pro is reportedly causing headaches for third-party apps that rely on the GPS module. As one developer explains on Garmin’s community forum (via Notebookcheck), the GPS module cuts out after about 14 seconds on roughly half of all sessions started. As a result, users are unable to obtain accurate GPS data when they use non-Garmin navigation and workout apps.

The developer goes on to claim that this bug has been reported, and it remains a hot issue. However, they add that it is taking “forever for Garmin to resolve it.” It appears the Fenix 9 Pro is just the latest example on the list, as the developer also mentions cases where Garmin did not previously give access to the Forerunner 170’s gyroscope and issues with timestamps for sensor readings.

The developer accuses Garmin of only giving priority to issues that affect first-party software. Other developers have chimed in on the post, reporting similar pain points with Garmin.

The problem is that even when developers are aware of a problem and report the bug to Garmin, it can take months for the glitch to be fixed. The long wait reflects poorly on the app, as users may believe that the app’s developers are at fault. From the user perspective, they are being forced to wait for fixes longer than they should. The original poster attributes Garmin’s slow response times to why their app has far more negative reviews on the Connect IQ store than on other platforms.