Garmin smartwatch gets new voice message transcription feature in update

Garmin is rolling out an update for the original Bounce kids smartwatch. Software version 12.02 arrives about four months after the stable 11.04 release, which brought minor improvements to the wearable.

With software version 12.02, the Bounce smartwatch should get small improvements to location-related features. Unfortunately, Garmin does not explain where users will feel the benefit of these optimizations. This update brings a new transcription feature for voice messages, which could be useful in noisy environments. This function, available through the Garmin Jr. app, arrived with the new Bounce 2 smartwatch in mid-September 2025. On top of this, the release notes for software version 12.02 indicate that it brings minor bug fixes, though these are not named. There are also said to be stability enhancements for the wearable.

According to a post by a Garmin representative on the brand's forum, software version 12.02 is available for 40% of users of the Garmin Bounce smartwatch (curr. $131.99 at Amazon). It is unclear when the rollout will be complete. The new software should be automatically downloaded to the Garmin Jr. App, with users notified of the pending update. From here, it can be pushed to the smartwatch via Bluetooth.