Garmin releases new update for older high-end smartwatches to eliminate unexpected shutdowns

The Fenix 7 series is now two generations old, with Garmin having launched the Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro earlier this week. Nonetheless, the company continues to provide software updates to its older high-end smartwatches.

Currently, Garmin has left Fenix 7 smartwatches running stable software on Software Version 26.09. Released in April, Software Version 26.09 brought a dozen changes and improvements to the Fenix 7 series, as well as to the Enduro 2 and Epix 2 (curr. $319 - refurbished on Amazon).

Since then, Garmin has been pushing ahead with v27.xx development on its Beta Program. Specifically, the company started public beta participation earlier this month with the release of Beta Version 27.15. As we discussed at the time, Beta Version 27.15 introduced five bug fixes, including one to prevent device shutdowns when using navigation features.

Similarly, Beta Version 27.17 aims to fix a separate issue that was causing unexpected shutdowns on older firmware, too. In a forum post, Garmin claims that its new update resolves this bug in relation to using Broadcast HR. Reportedly, Beta Version 27.17 has already been offered to all Beta Program participants as an over-the-air (OTA) download.

If that is not the case, then you can start the download process by navigating through the main menu on your Fenix 7 to System and Software Update before tapping ‘Check for Updates’. Garmin has not indicated when v27.xx development will reach stable status. Please see Garmin’s forum post for more details about its latest beta update.