Garmin releases new Forerunner smartwatch updates to address recent system crashes

Garmin has released a new beta update for its previous generation Forerunner smartwatches after pulling a recent build earlier this month. To recap, the company issued Beta Version 24.04 for the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965 (curr. $549 on Amazon) with several bug fixes from System Software 23.20 that preceded it.

However, Garmin quickly pulled its first v24.xx public build because it was causing system crashes on certain units. Now, the company has returned to its Forerunner Beta Program with Beta Version 24.07, which should arrive as an over-the-air (OTA) update soon. Alternatively, one can bypass Garmin's batch system altogether by navigating through the Main Menu, Settings, System and Software Update menus on your smartwatch before tapping 'Check for Updates'.

According to Garmin, Beta Version 24.07 ships with four overarching bug fixes, including one that should address the issues that its predecessor was causing. Given that the latter was pulled from public distribution, the company has included its changes in the changelog for Beta Version 24.07 too. For reference, the full list of changes from System Software 23.20 until now is as follows:

All Forerunner x55 and x65 smartwatches

• Fix a potential crash in 24.04 when viewing the list of suggested workouts.
• Fix an issue with device reverting to watchface in glance list.
• Fix an issue with Dynamic Round-trip Routing recalculation when going off course.
• Fix an issue with loading a workout and course at the same time.
• Fix issues with activity charts for very long activities.
• Various bug fixes and improvements.

All Forerunner x65 smartwatches

• Fix missing breathing variations data.

Forerunner 255 & Forerunner 955 only

• Fix misaligned data on an analog watch face.
• Fix missing passcode prompt when off wrist.

Forerunner 165 & Forerunner 255 only

• Fix display issues when first scrolling to Connect IQ glances.

Forerunner 955 & Forerunner 965 only

• Fix an issue preventing altimeter recalibration in Back Country Ski when Auto Calibration is set to Nightly.