Garmin has officially released Beta Version 16.28 for the Venu X1 series, bringing a substantial wave of new features, health tracking refinements, and critical stability fixes. This update transitions the smartwatch from a standard fitness tracker into a more comprehensive lifestyle and performance companion.
Enhanced Health and Lifestyle Tracking
The update introduces several new “glances” designed to give users immediate access to vital data. A standout addition is the weight tracking glance, allowing for better body composition monitoring directly from the wrist. Furthermore, Garmin is leaning into behavioral science with a new tool that analyzes how your daily habits influence specific health metrics. Sleep tracking also gets a boost, as the device now offers personalized insights to help you identify your optimal bedtime and wake-up windows.
Advanced Training and Sports Features
For the multisport enthusiast, the Venu X1 now supports sequential activity recording, making it easier to track transitions between different sports in a single session. The training ecosystem is also expanding with new plans centered on timed cardio and optional strength training. For those who dive, the software now intelligently adjusts your training guidance based on recent underwater sessions. Additionally, responsiveness has been improved for pace metrics, and the device will now remember changes made to structured repeat intervals for future workouts.
System Customization and Utility
Garmin has focused heavily on the user interface and accessibility in this build. Version 16.28 adds color filters and voice alerts to the system settings—including specific audio notifications when paired with compatible radar devices. A new battery performance glance provides transparency into power consumption, while the “favorite sports teams” glance keeps you updated on game scores. To minimize distractions, the update introduces a delayed notification feature, allowing users to push smart alerts to the end of their workout.
Critical Bug Fixes and Stability
This beta release addresses a high-priority “reboot” bug that previously caused some devices to crash during general use or at the start of an exercise. Other technical resolutions include:
-
Navigation Fixes: Resolved issues with blank screens during music playback and crashes when loading indoor cycling courses.
-
Data Accuracy: Fixed missing speed and mileage data for backcountry skiing summaries.
-
Connectivity: Improved Wi-Fi upload reliability and corrected a bug where the wrong Garmin Coach cycling workouts were being loaded.
How to Install the 16.28 Beta
If you are enrolled in the Garmin Beta Program, you can pull the update manually by navigating to the Main Menu on your watch, selecting Settings, then System, and finally tapping Software Update > Check For Updates.
Also Read: The Best Garmin Watches of 2026: A Beginner’s Guide to the Ultimate Ecosystem
