No satellite imagery without Outdoor Maps+?

Yes, I see this as well.  Not good.

Yep, the maps I used to use are now locked behind a paywall.

With most companies I don't allow apps to be updated automatically. I have to go and do it manually, which I only do after reading reviews, because I don't trust them. But I guess I wasn't paying attention to what Garmin was up to and I let the Garmin explorer app remain on automatic update status. Now the maps I used to use, including the usgc quad sheets, are behind a paywall. Obviously, turning off automatic update for all Garmin apps.

It's really frustrating to see them going in that direction. I went from Whoop to Garmin because subscriptions suck. I want to pay once and be done. Really sucks for me and those who think like me.

Agree. Garmin trying to cash in. Badly communicated as an “improvement in mapping engine.” One could say, misleadingly. And

by accounts, badly executed, in that it has stuffed up features for which Explore was actually useful.

congratulations Garmin on alienating your most loyal and savvy users.

According to a support rep I talked to about this issue, satellite maps should be available without an OM+ subscription. Garmin-Chris can you please confirm that this indeed the case?

How would one know?

this is the detailed description of, for what I’d be subscribing, with my $85 AUD.

Satellite imagery should be available for streaming or download in the Garmin Explore app with or without an Outdoor Maps+ subscription. If you do not have an Outdoor Maps+ subscription and do not have the satellite imagery layer available to you, please feel free to message me or contact Product Support directly for assistance.  

Edit as of 24 OCT 24: I was mistaken. While satellite and other layers can be streamed for free, only the TopoActive layer is available for offline download without an Outdoor Maps+ subscription.

Thanks for clarifying!

Why, in the latest update blurb for the app in AppStore does it not give any information about the outdoor plus subscription paywall, and tell users that features that they have apparently previously had access to will no longer be available.

Personally  I feel this seems less than honest with app users.

from App Store:  What's New

Version 4.0

Version History

5d ago

• Our new map engine is here, bringing you advanced features and capabilities.
• Access streaming maps if you have an internet connection.
• Download offline maps for specific areas so you can access them when you are off-grid.
• Perform searches for locations, points of interest and other data both while online or offline.
• Plan and customize your outdoor adventures with our improved Course Creator.
• Library page (now called Saved) has been redesigned to simplify the review and edit of waypoints, courses, activities and collections.
• Check the new onboarding flows with improvements to sign in and device pairing flows.