Garmin delivers surprise update for high-end smartwatches including recent Fenix 8 Pro release

Less than a month has passed since Garmin introduced System Software 20.19 for the Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8 and the Tactix 8. For reference, the update was the first that harmonised software development for those smartwatches with the newer Fenix 8 Pro (curr. $1,199 on Amazon).

At the time, Garmin had hoped that v20.19 would conclude its 20.xx beta period. However, that has not proven the case. Instead, the company has found enough major bugs that warrant the distribution of a new beta build called Beta Version 20.20.

In a forum post, Garmin indicates that Beta Version 20.20 will not be the last beta before it returns with a new stable update either. Unfortunately, the company has not elaborated further yet. Setting the timing of a new beta build aside, Garmin claims to have addressed three bugs with Beta Version 20.20, including two that could have caused system crashes. The full changelog from Beta Version 20.19 and System Software 20.19 is as follows:

• Fixed possible crash when maps are locked.
• Fixed possible crash when using the flashlight shortcut.
• Fixed SOS alarm countdown not playing during sleep.