Garmin releases new update to multiple smartwatches with numerous changes and improvements

Less than a month has passed since Garmin released a major update to the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 (curr. $738 on Amazon). As we discussed at the time, Software Version 18.29 introduced over a dozen changes to both smartwatches. Please see our corresponding article for more details about this stable update.

Now, the company has pushed a fresh update to Beta Program participants. Typically, Garmin would start a new development cycle after issuing a major stable release. This time, it has reverted to v18.xx development with the release of Public Beta Version 18.32.

Reportedly, all Beta Program participants have already been offered the opportunity to download Public Beta Version 18.32. If that is not the case, then you can trigger a new download by navigating through the main menu to Settings, System and Software Update before tapping 'Check for Updates'.

Public Beta Version 18.32 is said to resolve five overarching issues found in older firmware. For instance, Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches should no longer reset when changing screens during an activity. Additionally, silent and do not disturb modes should work again as expected after updating to Public Beta Version 18.32. The full changelog from System Software 18.29 is as follows:

• Fixes an issue that could cause the alarm vibration to be unintentionally disabled.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when changing screens during an activity.
• Fixes other minor issues.
• Fixes potential issue with Spotify music playback after skipping songs via paired Bluetooth headphones.
• Prevents smart notifications from sounding a tone when the device is in silent or do not disturb mode.