Garmin releases new update for flagship smartwatches with dozens of new features and improvements

Garmin has returned to its Beta Program with a new update for the entire Fenix 9 series, including the Fenix 9 Pro (curr. $1,099 on Amazon). For context, the company has been keeping the Fenix 9 Pro on separate v7.xx beta updates than the Enduro 4, Fenix 9 and other equivalent smartwatches.

Now, Garmin has harmonised those smartwatches on Beta Version 7.19, having removed Beta Version 7.15 from public consumption for the Fenix 9 Pro. In a forum post, the company writes that Beta Version 7.19 should have at least been offered to all eligible smartwatches enrolled on its Beta Program. If that has not occurred in your case, then Beta Version 7.19 can be triggered by navigating through the main menu to Settings, System and Software Update before tapping 'Check for Updates'.

According to Garmin, Beta Version 7.19 introduces 38 changes. Revisiting Beta Versions 7.14 and 7.15, Beta Version 7.19 combines these changes without adding anything new. As a result, Fenix 9 Pro owners may not notice any differences after updating from Beta Version 7.15 to Beta Version 7.19.

By contrast, Beta Version 7.19 brings five new features to the Enduro 4, Marq Gen 3 and the standard Fenix 9. On top of that, the new update contains 26 bug fixes, including 2 that should improve heart rate monitoring reliability. The full changelog from older v7.xx beta updates is as follows:

• Adds distance editing to XC Ski Indoor and Indoor Cycling Activity Profiles.
• Adds first time tip to power modes.
• Adds Pack Weight and Pack Weight Calorie Burn Rate post activity cards to walking and running sports.
• Adds smooth second hand setting to some watch faces.
• Adds timeout setting to flashlight quick control.
• Fixes blank item in map layers menu.
• Fixes course preview not showing with TopoActive and OSM maps enabled.
• Fixes Epic Course Card not appearing in Activity Stage.
• Fixes heart rate reading dropouts in ArcheryX.
• Fixes incoming call or app notification playing sound in silent mode.
• Fixes incorrect vehicle sometimes drawing on map.
• Fixes issue where entering CIQ watch face menu caused lag.
• Fixes issue where Running Stamina displayed "Maximum Zone" when the user's heart rate is below the lowest zone.
• Fixes issue where weather data might not display when hitting outages.
• Fixes issue with strength weight edit when using buttons.
• Fixes issues with map north arrow placement.
• Fixes keyboard icon in settings menu (Solar devices only).
• Fixes player 2's score not being displayed in the round info page.
• Fixes possible issue with Alipay binding and unbinding.
• Fixes potential shutdown when changing sports.
• Fixes potential shutdown when downloading Outdoor Maps+ content.
• Fixes potential shutdown when enabling HR Broadcast from Garmin Connect.
• Fixes potential shutdown when pressing the back button a lot in the music app.
• Fixes potential shutdown when searching for points of interest.
• Fixes potential shutdown when selecting activity data screens.
• Fixes potential shutdown when starting HIIT activity.
• Fixes potential shutdown when switching Spotify playlists.
• Fixes potential shutdown when using ClimbPro in Run activity.
• Fixes progress bar drawing in the LineMusic app.
• Fixes satellite icon drawing (Solar devices only).
• Fixes satellite settings not updating when changing Power Mode in Activity Stage Menu.
• Improved responsiveness in Epic app.
• Improved World Timer watch face.
• Improvements made to Golf shot detection.
• Improvements to Indoor Row activity.
• Improves map loading when many maps are installed.
• Miscellaneous display improvements.
• Updated translations.