Garmin releases long-awaited major update for flagship smartwatches with over a dozen new features and improvements

A few weeks have passed since Garmin issued initial 23.xx stable updates for the Fenix 8 series. As we discussed at the time, System Software 23.31 did not initially reach all Fenix 8 family devices. In fact, the update was not even offered to the Enduro 3 at first, either (curr. $799 on Amazon).

Then earlier this week, Garmin returned to its stable software branch with System Software 23.39 for the same devices. The culmination of a short-lived beta cycle, System Software 23.39 addressed a few outstanding bugs, many of which related to Spotify music playback. Additionally, the update introduced 'Ok, Garmin' voice command functionality.

However, Garmin missed off the Fenix 8 Pro and other Pro-branded smartwatches from the same family, as we mentioned at the time. For reference, this also includes the Quatix 8 Pro, which launched at the start of the year. Without warning, the company has updated its forum post to include these Pro smartwatches, including the Fenix 8 Pro microLED.

Reportedly, System Software 23.39 should have reached around 50% of eligible smartwatches. In the Fenix 8 Pro's case, System Software 23.39 introduces 22 changes, of which 4 are new features. The full list of changes between System Software 22.44 and System Software 23.39 for Pro smartwatches is as follows. Please see Garmin's forum post for more details.

System Software 23.39 changelog

• 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.
• Enables the voice command feature with the "OK Garmin" wake word.
• 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
• 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 potential issue with Spotify music playback after skipping songs via paired Bluetooth headphones.
• Fixes potential shutdown when switching playlists in Spotify.
• Fixes potential shutdown when using the HIIT activity. simultaneously.
• 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.