Google is reportedly developing YouTube Music apps for various third-party devices, including Garmin fitness watches, according to an unconfirmed report. The app is expected to be available on Garmin’s ConnectIQ app store, allowing users to play music directly on their watches without the need for a phone connection. The app may offer downloadable playlists for offline playback or utilize the watch’s LTE connection.
This development is not only promising for Garmin watch users but also for Apple users. Currently, YouTube Music’s Apple Watch app lacks offline music storage capabilities. However, if Garmin’s app includes this functionality, it is likely that an update with similar features will be released for the Apple Watch.
The introduction of a YouTube Music app on Garmin devices is part of a broader initiative to expand the service’s availability on third-party platforms. Sonos and Apple TV are among the devices mentioned in the report as potential targets for YouTube Music apps. During WWDC 2023, Apple demonstrated YouTube Music support on its HomePod, indicating that Google is positioning the service as a strong competitor to popular music streaming platforms like Spotify and Tidal.
While the report does not provide specific launch dates for the YouTube Music app on Garmin watches or other devices, this development signals Google’s efforts to broaden the reach of its music streaming service and enhance the user experience across various platforms. Users can look forward to the convenience of accessing YouTube Music directly on their Garmin watches and potentially on other popular third-party devices in the near future.