Garmin is as permissive as possible when approving apps for inclusion on the Connect IQ app store. Aside from apps that contain offensive material or are subject to DMCA take-down requests, we're happy to allow most everything else that our app developers would like to share with the Garmin community unless it falls under one of the following exceptions:
Extreme Sports
Apps designed for scuba diving, free diving, skydiving, base-jumping, and extreme flight sports will not be listed on the app store for the following reasons:
- The diving features available on Descent products are the only Garmin features intended for underwater diving use.
- The altimeter/barometer feature available in some Garmin devices is intended to be used for general altitude reference only, and is not intended to be used for extreme sports such as skydiving, base-jumping or other activities that require the use of equipment that is designed and intended for such use. The Jumpmaster feature on Garmin tactix products is intended to be used for skydiving activities by experienced skydivers. This is the only Garmin feature that is intended for use while skydiving.
Aviation
Aviation-specific apps (excluding aviation-themed Watch Faces) must include the following disclaimer at the top of their app description:
WARNING: The app is intended only as an in-flight aid and should not be used as a primary information source. If the app contains a barometric altimeter, it will not function in a pressurized aircraft and should not be used in a pressurized aircraft.
Safety Awareness
Apps designed for safety awareness purposes, such as incident detection or use with a Varia radar, may not be listed in the interest of customer safety.
Medical
Apps designed for medical use may be subject to regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a device such that it needs clearance or approval by the agency before it can be lawfully marketed in the United States. The FDA has issued two guidance documents on the topic:
- Mobile Medical App Guidance, https://www.fda.gov/media/80958/download
- Clinical Decision Support Guidance, https://www.fda.gov/media/109618/download
Apps subject to these guidelines may be required to include appropriate documentation. Otherwise, the app description must be updated to reflect that the app is not intended to be used for the purposes of medical treatment and is intended for educational purposes only.
Garmin designs and tests its products for their intended use to ensure safe operation and a positive customer experience. If you have developed or are currently developing apps subject to these guidelines, we apologize and do not want to be a source of discouragement. You may still continue to build and distribute these apps as you wish outside of the Connect IQ app store, but we cannot allow content of this nature to be placed on any Garmin affiliated app resource.
Chinese National Flag
Chinese law describes the contexts within which the Chinese national flag may and may not be used. Article 20 of the Law of the PRC on the National Flag (http://www.lawinfochina.com/display.aspx?id=34075&lib=law) states that the national flag and the design shall not be used in product appearance, for commercial use, or for trademark and patent licensing purposes., which means it cannot be included in Connect IQ apps for display on Garmin products.
Garmin Branding
Apps that use Garmin branding must comply with Garmin's Consumer Brand Style Guide, which includes specifications for things like logo colors, typeface, and positioning.