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Garmin releases major new update to mid-range smartwatches with activity and workout improvements

The Forerunner 965 is one of four Forerunner-branded smartwatches eligible to receive Software Version 28.05.
ⓘ Garmin
The Forerunner 965 is one of four Forerunner-branded smartwatches eligible to receive Software Version 28.05.
Garmin has released a new stable update to multiple mid-range smartwatches. Packed with many changes, the new update is said to improve activity and workout modes in several areas.
Garmin Smartwatch Wearable Software

Garmin has finalised a new stable update for five of its older mid-range smartwatches. To recap, almost four months have passed since the company issued Software Version 27.09 to the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965 (curr. $599 on Amazon).

In the intervening period, Garmin delivered a solitary v28.xx beta update called Beta Version 28.03. Nonetheless, it has now pushed ahead with the release of Software Version 28.05 globally. According to Garmin, Software Version 28.05 comes with up to 10 changes.

However, this is only true for the Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965. By contrast, the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 265 benefit from 8 changes, with the Forerunner 165 dropping further to 7 changes from Software Version 27.09. However, all are said to have received activity and workout improvements.

Currently, Garmin reports that Software Version 28.05 should have reached around 20% of eligible smartwatches. This percentage should change in the coming days, though. The changelogs for Software Version 28.05 are as follows:

All Forerunner x55 and x65 smartwatches:

  • Fix an issue that could cause some activities to fail upload to Garmin Connect.
  • Fix an issue that could cause some race events to be missing or duplicated after sending to device.
  • Fix an issue that could cause the Garmin Run Coach plan's week number shown on the device to be different than what is shown on Garmin Connect Mobile.
  • Fix an issue with previewing workouts with only one step.
  • Fix the display settings not applying when changed from Garmin Connect Mobile.
  • Specify completion time in audio prompts for distance intervals.
  • Various bug fixes and improvements.

Forerunner 955 & Forerunner 965 specific

  • Fix an issue that could cause a crash when saving an activity after course navigation.
  • Fix an issue with China OSM maps.

Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955 & Forerunner 965 specific

  • Fix pairing to Schwinn devices.

Source(s)

Garmin (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2026 06 > Garmin releases major new update to mid-range smartwatches with activity and workout improvements
Alex Alderson, 2026-06- 9 (Update: 2026-06- 9)