Garmin releases sleep mode improvement for high-end smartwatch with new software update

Earlier this week, Garmin finally brought the Fenix 8 Pro (curr. $1,199.99 on Amazon) onto its Beta Program with the release of Beta Version 20.15. As we discussed at the time, the beta focused almost exclusively on Garmin's latest Fenix 8 series smartwatch, despite also being rolled out to the regular Fenix E, Fenix 8, the Enduro 3 and the Tactix 8.

Now, the company has moved these smartwatches to Beta Version 20.18, which it is offering as an over-the-air (OTA) update globally. In a forum post, the company clarifies that it has already offered the new beta to 50% of eligible devices. If that is not the case for your Beta Program-enrolled smartwatch, then you can head to Menu, System, Software Update and select 'Check for Updates' to download Beta Version 20.18 manually.

According to Garmin, the new beta fixes a potential system crash that could occur when ending Sleep mode manually. Also, the company warns that it has disabled Aviation, Dive and ECG features on the Beta Version 20.18. As a result, more beta updates are to come before Garmin transitions 20.xx development to a new stable software release. Unfortunately, Garmin has not offered any clarity about future stable rollout plans yet.