Garmin releases new update to mid-range smartwatches with future stable firmware on the horizon

Garmin has returned with a new update for several Instinct series smartwatches, just as it finalised stable updates for numerous Forerunner models like the Forerunner 570, Forerunner 970 and even the older Forerunner 255. By contrast, the company is not quite ready to offer a new stable update to the Instinct E, Instinct 3 or the Instinct Crossover.

Instead, Garmin is offering a new beta update for the trio, the third v12.xx build so far since introducing System Software 10.36 in mid-September. By the looks of things, the company could be a way off from transitioning v12.xx software to its stable software channel. Typically, Garmin tests multiple beta builds before consolidating beta development into new stable firmware, as it did over several months with v10.xx builds.

Thus, we would not expect to see fresh stable software for the Instinct 3 and its peers until the holiday season. In the meantime, Beta Version 12.18 is said to resolve potential connectivity issues when using an inReach Remote like the inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator (curr. $209 on Amazon). Beta Version 12.18 should reach Beta Program-enrolled smartwatches automatically via Garmin Connect Mobile or Garmin Express. The current changelog from Garmin's most recent stable builds is as follows:

All Instinct 3/Instinct E/Instinct Crossover:

• Added support for Health Status. Provides health data changes and overall wellbeing for display on the Garmin Connect app.
• Added support for editing custom and proximity alerts in GCM.
• Added support for updating sensor software over BLE.
• Improved Area Calc app UI.
• Fixed issues with interval alerts for quick timer.
• Fixed issue where messenger glance could be added twice.
• Fixed incorrect or missing units in Messenger message details.
• Fixed potential issue where course elevation plot would be flat.
• Fixed issue where OHR could not be enabled by a power mode if the system setting was off.

Solar/Instinct E only:

• Added Steps data field.
• Added Pulse Ox watch face data field option.
• Added Recovery Time watch face data field option.
• Fixed possible battery drain when using CIQ watch faces.
• Fixed issue where software update would not immediately appear after "Check for Updates".
• Fixed issues with Weather app when accessed from the app list.
• Fixed DogTrack distance when using Metric units.
• Fixed issue where watch face charts could show old data.
• Fixed calendar watch face data field showing events from future dates.
• Fixed potential graphical glitch on Morning Report watch face.

Solar/AMOLED only:

• Added support for HRM Pace & Distance over BLE.

AMOLED only:

• Added UTC data field option to more watch faces.
• Added barometer data field option to default watch face.
• Fixed Morning Report and Workout animations (45 mm only).

Solar only:

• Fixed crash when viewing daily suggested workouts.
• Fixed load ratio graph indicator.

Crossover only:

• Added additional watch face design.
• Various UI fixes and improvements.
• Fixed issue where hands could become stuck after completing an activity.
• Fixed various sensor menu issues.
• Fixed golf club sensor info page.
• Fixed missed call animation.
• Fixed barometer chart scale.
• Fixed Kill Switch countdown.