Garmin releases new Forerunner 265 update with more than a dozen improvements and new features

Garmin has released a new update for the Forerunner 265 (curr. $449.99 on Amazon), almost two months after it delivered Software Version 19.18. This time, the company has decided to publish a new beta update, which it is distributing as Public Beta Version 20.15. For context, Forerunner 265 Beta Program participants have been running Public Beta Version 19.13 since the start of May.

Typically, a long wait between software updates would ensure that Garmin has included plenty of new features and bug fixes, although this is not always the case. Thankfully, this is true for the Forerunner 265, which is eligible for over a dozen refinements through Public Beta Version 20.15. Specifically, Garmin has bundled fourteen changes within the smartwatch's latest update:

• Adds Garmin Share, share your workouts, courses, and waypoints between compatible Garmin devices.
• Added Device Settings Backup and Restore.
• Improvements to support pool swim workouts with pace alerts and critical swim speed.
• Improvements to the pool swim rest screen and alert tones.
• Improvements to race time predictions based on fitness level and recent efforts.
• Integrates the Garmin Run Coach feature into Garmin Connect app.
• Fixed lock screen vibration during sleep mode.
• Fixed map data field text truncation.
• Fixed edge case weather data display errors.
• Fixed calendar display issues.
• Fixed pool size selection in Garmin Connect real time settings.
• Fixed alert suppression during breathwork activity.
• Fixed various language translation errors.
• Fixed various bugs and UI improvements.

As the list above shows, Public Beta Version 20.15 focuses on bug fixes, of which there are eight designed to address issues varying from calendar display issues to others that affect the ability to issue alerts or notifications. Additionally, the new update introduces the option of backing up and restoring device settings, a feature that is already available across Garmin's other smartwatches, like the Fenix 7 series. Currently, Garmin claims that Public Beta Version 20.15 has not reached any Forerunner 265 smartwatches. However, you can request the update manually by heading to from the main menu to Settings, System, Software Update and then tapping 'Check for Updates'.