Garmin releases new update for older flagship smartwatches with improved Running Dynamics

At the end of last month, Garmin released Beta Version 27.17 to older high-end smartwatches like the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro (curr. $649 on Amazon). The second beta update introduced in August, Beta Version 27.17 was said to resolve an issue with the Broadcast HR feature that occasionally caused system shutdowns.

Now, the company has pushed ahead with a new beta update for the same smartwatches. Rolling out globally, Beta Version 27.18 is already said to have reached all eligible smartwatches as an over-the-air (OTA) download. If that is not the case for your smartwatch, then you can manually trigger a new software download by heading through the main menu to Settings, System and Software Update before tapping 'Check for Updates.

Beta Version 27.18 arrives with a single change from its predecessor. Specifically, the new update should fix a problem found in Beta Version 27.17 that prevented Running Dynamics from working properly. ECG functionality remains disabled with this build, though. Hence, it seems likely that Garmin will offer more v27.xx beta updates before transitioning development to its stable software branch.

In a forum post, Garmin clarifies that the new update is also available on the Enduro 2, Epix 2, Quatix 7 and the Marq Gen 2, including Pro and non-Pro models. However, the company continues to withhold beta updates from the Marq Aviator Gen 2 and the Tactix 7. Please see the company's forum post for more details.