Garmin Forerunner smartwatches get workout-related improvements in new beta update

The Garmin Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965 smartwatches will shortly receive Public Beta Version 23.09. This marks the start of the 23.xx beta testing cycle and follows the 22.22 stable update from mid-March 2025.

For all models, beta version 23.09 is said to bring improvements to secure sensor pairing and updates. The bike camera controls widget has been enhanced, and users gain to ability to use Custom workouts with Walk activities. The calendar glance now shows Bike and Run daily suggested workouts if scheduled for the same day. On top of this, the Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965 watches get improved rep counting.

This release also brings a range of bug fixes to the Forerunner smartwatches. For example, issues relating to TrainingPeaks swim workouts, Strength workout reps count and the altimeter chart page have been resolved. For all models aside from the standard Forerunner 165, Garmin has worked on a problem with the 'Enable Wi-Fi' prompt in battery saver mode and audio notes syncing in edited yoga workouts. There is also a fix for an issue found on the map data screen for the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 955 smartwatches. Plus, for the standard Forerunner 165 (curr. $225.99 at Amazon), smart notification sound settings are available again.

An example change log is provided below. In a post on the Garmin forum, the company indicates that it has not yet started to roll out Public Beta Version 23.09 to Forerunner smartwatch users. When it is available, you will be able to download it by going to the Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.