Garmin: Major new update now available for popular smartwatches with added features and improvements

Garmin has released a new update for the Instinct 3 series, including the Instinct Crossover AMOLED (curr. $549 on Amazon). To recap, the company introduced a stable update for the same smartwatches about a month ago. As we discussed at the time, System Software 15.18 replaced older v14.xx firmware with over half a dozen changes.

Now, Garmin has transitioned Instinct 3 series development to a new software revision. Specifically, the company is now rolling out Beta Version 16.04, which is available across the Instinct E, Instinct Crossover AMOLED and all versions of the Instinct 3, including the Instinct 3 Tactical Solar.

In a forum post, Garmin clarifies that one must request Beta Version 16.04 manually. To download the update, one must navigate through the main menu to Settings, then System and Software Update, before selecting 'Check for Updates'. Once updated, all eligible smartwatches will have access to a new Recovery Mode. Please see Garmin's dedicated support page for more details about what this mode brings to Instinct 3 smartwatches.

Additionally, Beta Version 16.04 is said to contain improved wave detection, albeit only relevant to Garmin's Surf activity. Moreover, a system slowdown when viewing the calendar should no longer occur after updating to Garmin's new beta. Finally, the company claims to have fixed a crash that could occur on older firmware when starting a workout through a CIQ app. Please see Garmin's forum post for more details.