Garmin: New major software release makes its way to another high-end smartwatch

On September 10, Garmin released a new stable software update to the Fenix 8. Also available on the Fenix E and Quatix 8, the update was the first major release for Garmin's stable software branch in over three months. Replacing System Software 22.44, System Software 23.31 introduced eighteen changes, four of which were new features.

As we discussed at the time, Garmin had elected against distributing this new update to the Fenix 8 Pro, despite maintaining the smartwatch and associated models on the same software branch as non-Pro models. Similarly, the company kept the Enduro 3 on its older System Software 22.44 release without explanation.

Now, it has brought the latter smartwatch onto the same stable update as its Fenix E, Fenix 8 and Tactix 8 counterparts. Reportedly, Garmin has already offered System Software 23.31 to around 50% of Enduro 3 smartwatches running stable software. If that is not the case, then you can request the update manually by navigating through the main menu to Settings, System and Software Update before tapping 'Check for Updates'.

System Software 23.31 also introduces eighteen improvements to the Enduro 3 (curr. $749 on Amazon). As the changelog below shows, ten of these are bug fixes, although one collates multiple 'minor issues'. Moreover, the update adds the same four new features offered to the Fenix 8, including the XC Ski Indoor activity. Please see Garmin's forum post and the changelog below for more details.

• Adds a suggested quick workout for running.
• Adds context to volume control.
• Adds dive computer settings sharing in the Garmin Share app.
• Adds the XC Ski Indoor activity.
• Fixes an issue that could cause music volume to increase after an alarm sounds.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset during a strength activity free workout.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when installing audio prompt software and host software simultaneously.
• Fixes an issue that could result in pace/speed dropouts, especially during interval training.
• Fixes an issue where the training days shown on the watch might not match the days shown in the Garmin Coach plan.
• Fixes an issue with not being able to start a suggested multisport workout.
• Fixes an issue with selecting rest days for daily suggested or Garmin Coach plan workouts.
• Fixes other minor issues.
• Fixes the onscreen lap shortcut no longer showing in HIIT workouts.
• Fixes volume level not returning to correct setting after water ejection.
• Improves the flashlight shortcut to cycle through the on, off, and strobe modes during an activity.
• Reduces false unlocks when using the touch lock feature.
• Supports Xero range and sensor data in the Applied Ballistics app.
• Updates translations.