Polar released a free software update, known as OS6 (firmware 6.0.18), on 30 September, bringing a set of long-requested features to six of its current watches. The compatible models are the Vantage V3, Vantage M3, Grit X2 Pro, Grit X2, Ignite 3 and Street X, and the update installs by syncing with the Polar Flow app.
The headline change is the addition of trend graphs directly on the watch. Users can now view seven-day histories for metrics including Nightly Recharge, heart rate variability and Running Index without opening the phone app. T3 counted nine trend graphs in all, and the update also allows weight to be entered on the watch, with the previous seven entries shown as a trend.
A configurable Custom button replaces the Light button on most models, allowing different functions to be assigned for each sport or in everyday time mode. The Ignite 3 keeps its original Light button and so does not receive the feature. Sport settings, including GPS recording rate, automatic laps and training sounds, can also now be changed on the watch mid-session.
For battery longevity, Polar has added an optional 80% charge limit, disabled by default, intended for watches that spend long periods on the charger. The Street X and Ignite 3 lack ECG hardware and therefore miss the ECG graph, while the update also brings improved optical heart rate algorithms, refreshed menu colours and smoother transitions, and new watch face backgrounds on most models.
For runners, the practical benefit is less reliance on the phone for day-to-day training load and recovery checks. As the update is free and covers watches across the range, existing owners can install it ahead of the autumn marathon season.