Garmin offers new update to older mid-range smartwatches ahead of long-awaited stable release

Garmin has begun rolling out a new update for the Instinct 2, Instinct 2X, and Instinct Crossover (curr. $314.99 on Amazon), again via its Beta Program. For context, Beta Version 17.05 replaces Beta Version 17.04, which arrived in early June. However, the new update comes nearly a year after Garmin kicked off v17.xx beta development with Beta Version 17.00.

Currently, Garmin claims to have issued Beta Version 17.05 to around 20% of eligible devices. Those who have been selected should receive a notification to download the update automatically within the next 24 hours via Garmin Connect Mobile (GCM) or when syncing their smartwatches with Garmin Express. With that being said, one should also be able to trigger the update's installation manually by trawling through Menu, System and Software Update to select 'Check for Updates'.

In a forum post, Garmin clarifies that the latest beta update focuses on addressing several bugs that exist in earlier builds. For instance, Beta Version 17.05 should resolve an issue where the 'Wallet Locked' message could appear incorrectly. Moreover, distance tracking should no longer increase in Open Water activities where no movement is occurring. On top of that, the Instinct 2X has also received a fix targeting strobe light functionality during multisport activities. Unfortunately, Garmin has not indicated when v17.xx software will reach stable status. The full changelog between Beta Versions 17.04 and 17.05 is as follows:

Shared Change Log since Beta Version 17.04

• Fixed issue where 'Wallet Locked' message would display incorrectly.
• Fixed issue in Open Water activity where distance could increase without moving.
• Fixed potential issues with Reference Point app.

Instinct 2X only

• Fixed issue with strobe light during multisport activities.