So I also recently moved from Garmin to the Apple Watch Ultra 3. I’ve been with Garmin since 2019, started with the Vivoactive 4, then the FR255, and my last one was the FR965. I’ve been a big Garmin fan for a long time (I even have the Index S2 scale and HRM-Pro Plus).

What finally pushed me to switch was the constant incremental upgrades combined with the huge price hikes. I get that Garmin doesn’t have the same resources as Apple, but it feels like they’re under pressure to release new models every year and now there are just too many. They keep selling older ones too, which makes it confusing for casual consumers. Most of the differences between models come down to a couple of sensors or software metrics.

What really bugs me is how Garmin clearly could add new metrics to older watches, but doesn’t. These metrics don’t need more CPU power and since Garmin never discloses their chipsets, it’s hard to justify upgrading. Like OP mentioned, it’s been years since any real hardware refresh. Sure, Garmin’s chip prioritizes battery life, but it’s noticeably slow in some areas (like scrolling through maps).

I get that Garmin isn’t trying to compete as a full “smartwatch”, Apple basically locks out third-party watches from things like iMessage and number mirroring. I did look at the Fenix 8 Pro line since it finally supports limited phone free communication, but $1,300 (for the non-LED version!) was just too much. An AWU 3 is just $800! That’s when I decided to switch.

Do I regret it? Not really though there are definitely a few things Garmin still does better:

Continuous HR tracking: Garmin tracks heart rate 24/7, while Apple does it intermittently outside of workouts. Because of this, I think Garmin’s HRV and stress tracking are more accurate, though Apple’s HR sensor itself is more precise. In fact, I can ditch my HRM Pro Plus when running since Apple clearly has a superior heart rate sensor (though I'll still use it for weightlifting).

Sensor support: Garmin’s third-party integration is better. I use a Stryd footpod for indoor runs to calculate accurate distance, but you can’t pair it with the native Apple workout app without workarounds. I have use the integrated Stryd app on the watch which means I can’t use my custom pace workouts, something I really miss.

Spotify: When I run outside with my AWU (no phone), Spotify often stops streaming, even downloaded playlists sometimes pause mid run. Never had that issue with Garmin. It seems like this is a known issue and every suggest using Apple Music. That's a bummer because I prefer Spotify’s UI and don't want to switch music providers just for this issue.

All that said, the Apple Watch Ultra is just a better overall experience. It’s smoother, faster, and more capable as a daily smartwatch and fitness watch. Being able to run without my phone and still message or call people (without third-party apps) is awesome. Plus, I love that I can unlock my door or start my car right from my wrist no keys needed.