Garmin Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 265 latest updates introduce improved sleep insights and other new features

Garmin has published new beta builds for the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 265, two months after the release of Beta Version 16.17. In the intervening period, the company has shared numerous beta builds for other smartwatches, most recently with the Venu 3 series. Additionally, Garmin began rolling out new updates for the Fenix 6 and Instinct 2 series, which we have covered separately.

While Garmin has not necessarily included that many changes in some of its beta builds of late, the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 265 have received over 10 improvements each from v16.17. For reference, Garmin has introduced the following bug fixes and new features to both smartwatches:

• Adds embedded images in smart notifications
• Adds naps and personalized sleep insights
• Adds new functionality to body battery
• Adds red shift
• Adds inline skating
• Adds large font mode
• Adds up ahead voice prompts
• Fixes course point limitations
• Fixes some Spotify and related music issues (Music version only)
• Various UI improvements and fixes
• Sensor Hub Firmware update

Moreover, Garmin has bundled two additional bug fixes for the Forerunner 265. Specifically, it claims to have resolved an issue that could cause workouts to be missing from some activity profiles. Also, Beta Version 17.18 should address a separate bug that could reset a device when scrolling the calendar glance. According to Garmin's forum posts, Beta Version 17.18 is a Release Candidate build for both smartwatches. In other words, the update should soon arrive in stable form for Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 265 units not enrolled on Garmin's Beta Program, provided it observes no critical issues during public beta testing.

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