Garmin releases major new update to older Pro smartwatches after prolonged wait

Almost a week has passed since Garmin released a new stable update for the Fenix 7 series. Unlike previous updates, Garmin decided against rolling out System Software 23.18 to all models simultaneously. Instead, it elected to prevent the new update from reaching the Fenix 7 Pro, Tactix 7 Pro or Epix 2 Pro (curr. $549 - refurbished on Amazon).

Conversely, both smartwatches were eligible to receive an equivalent update on Garmin's Beta Program. For some reason, the company has not clarified why it missed off the Epix 2 Pro, Fenix 7 Pro or the Tactix 7 Pro when releasing System Software 23.18. At the time of writing, Garmin maintains that no Pro models can download System Software 23.18.

Nonetheless, owners have discovered that one can install System Software 23.18 on Pro smartwatches anyway. Apparently, all Epix 2 Pro, Fenix 7 Pro and Tactix 7 Pro owners need to do is manually request System Software 23.18 by navigating through Settings, System, Software Update, and then tapping 'Check for Updates'. For reference, the update should bring the following changes and improvements to Garmin's last-generation Pro smartwatches:

• Added a new tip to display during a rest set in a Pool Swim activity.
• Added new feature for certain sensors to pair over ANT and BLE+
• Fixed a possible crash on the climb pro data page.
• Fixed AB connection issues with Kestral device.
• Fixed an issue where course distance data would sometimes incorrectly be set to nautical miles.
• Fixed an issue where pairing CT10 sensors would fail.
• Fixed an issue with golf club tracking
• Fixed an issue with navigation in the Hunt activity.
• Fixed an issue with rep counting in Strength activities.
• Fixed an issue with the displayed weight in Strength activities.
• Fixed an issue with the IR widget so that it will always automatically get added after the first pair
• Fixed an issue with where selecting the Last Ride data would incorrectly show the Last Run page.
• Fixed incorrect data being displayed on the laps review page in the Pool Swim activity.
• Fixed incorrect distance data from sometimes being displayed when navigating a course.
• Fixed Navigation prompts from sounding when all audio prompts are disabled.
• Fixed the displayed weight on Strength edit set page to match other Strength-related page.
• Fixed Wind Direction Changing When Connecting to a LRF (Tactix Only.)
• Updated the breath variation page to use a line graph.
• Updated the Recent Stress Widget to now match the appearance of Fenix 8