Garmin has started rolling out a new beta software update, version 24.12, for several of its popular smartwatch models. The new software is currently available for the Fenix 8, Fenix E, Quatix 8, Tactix 8, and Enduro 3. Owners of the Pro versions will not have to wait much longer, as Garmin expects to make the update available for those devices next week.
If you want to install the software manually right away, you can head over to your watch’s main menu, select Settings, go to System, tap on Software Update, and select Check For Updates.
Note: The Beta software available for the Fenix 8 series will have the ECG feature and Dive features Disabled.
Key Improvements and New Features
This release introduces a few handy quality-of-life upgrades. The sport selection menu has been reorganized so your favorite activities appear at the top, along with a new “More” option to view the rest of your workouts.
Garmin has also added clear step-by-step pairing instructions for the HRM 200 and 600 heart rate monitors. Additionally, the Pulse Ox app has been tweaked so that it only pauses device vibrations while actively taking a reading, rather than blocking them entirely.
Fixes for System Restarts and Stability
A significant portion of this update focuses on resolving random crashes and reboot loops that users have experienced recently. Garmin addressed crashes tied to Connect IQ watch faces, boot loops occurring directly on the home screen, and reboots that happened when processing Garmin Explore data.
Several crash fixes target active use as well. The update fixes an issue where the watch would restart when starting a GPS activity with Bluetooth headphones connected, as well as a bug that caused watches to reboot while answering incoming phone calls.
Navigation, Map, and GPS Adjustments
Garmin has refined several mapping and navigation functions across supported models. The speed of Points of Interest (POI) search results has been improved, and the system now continues to show cached weather data during tempory connectivity outages.
Map displays have been cleaned up to fix a bug where certain roads appeared as thick black lines. Additionally, popular bicycle courses will now load properly on maps in China, and full-page course turn guidance will now only pop up if you are not actively looking at the map page.
Daily Features, Audio, and Battery Fixes
This beta patch addresses a wide range of everyday smart features and sensors. Calendar loading times have been speeded up when Garmin Coach workouts are present, notification delivery issues have been resolved, and a battery drain bug linked to Alipay usage has been cleared up.
For audio and voice controls, Garmin resolved a speech recognition freeze, restored missing voice alerts during activities, and fixed inconsistent volume syncing with Bluetooth headsets. Swim and row stroke rate alerts will also properly play audio prompts again.
Complete Change Log Overview
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HRM Pairing: Added setup instructions for HRM 200/600 devices.
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Activity Menu: Reordered Change Sport menu to show favorites first.
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Pulse Ox: Mutes vibrations only during active measurements.
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System Stability: Fixed reboots linked to Garmin Explore data, Connect IQ watch faces, call answering, and GPS starts with Bluetooth audio.
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Audio & Voice: Resolved speech recognition deadlocks, muted alert volume resets, and Bluetooth volume syncing.
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Navigation & Maps: Faster POI searches, weather data caching during outages, road display fixes, and smarter turn guidance pop-ups.
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Glances & Apps: Fixed empty or slow Calendar Glances, spectator message actions, and battery drain during Alipay use.
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Security & Stealth Mode: Blocked Garmin Pay shortcuts while operating in Stealth Mode.
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Sensors & Tracking: Updated the internal swim module, fixed floor-climb tracking during activities, and patched LTE signal display reliability.
See the full Change Log In The Pictures Below
Also Read: Garmin Enduro 4 Officially Launches: Here Is What’s New and Everything You Need to Know
