Garmin has officially begun rolling out its latest stable firmware, version 16.37, for the Forerunner 970 and 570 smartwatches. This update focuses heavily on system reliability and refining the user experience, addressing several performance bottlenecks and stability issues reported in previous builds.
Enhanced System Stability and Bug Fixes
The primary focus of this release is preventing unexpected shutdowns during high-intensity use. Garmin has successfully patched potential crashes that occurred when pairing Bluetooth headphones or launching the HIIT activity profile. These fixes ensure that athletes can focus on their performance without worrying about the device freezing mid-workout. Additionally, the update resolves a frustrating bug that caused the watch to display only one goal alert per day, regardless of how many milestones were actually achieved.
Performance Gains and Localization
Beyond stability, version 16.37 introduces significant under-the-hood optimizations for the Course Planner. Users should notice a smoother, more responsive interface when mapping out routes for their next run or ride. To round out the update, Garmin has included various minor bug fixes and updated translation files, ensuring a more polished and accurate interface for international users.
How to Install Version 16.37
While the software is rolling out in phases, you don’t necessarily have to wait for the automatic prompt. If you want to jump to the latest version immediately, you can trigger a manual download by navigating through your watch settings:
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Open the Menu
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Select System
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Choose Software Update
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Tap Check For Updates
Change Log Summary:
• Fixes a potential crash when using headphones.
• Fixes a potential crash when using the HIIT activity.
• Fixes an issue where only one goal alert is shown per day.
• Improves course planner performance.
• Fixes other minor bugs.
• Updates translations.
Also Read: The Best Garmin Watches of 2026: A Beginner’s Guide to the Ultimate Ecosystem
I made the new update but I still have the Bluetooth connection bug while running, the watch freezes. Garmin didn’t fix it. Probably garmin cant fix it at all.