Garmin smartwatches get Rucking activity and sleep improvements in new update

Garmin is rolling out a new stable software update for the Instinct 3 AMOLED, Instinct 3 Solar and Instinct E smartwatches. This release, version 9.20, marks the conclusion of the watch’s first beta testing cycle, version 9.xx, which began in mid-April.

With software version 9.20, both the AMOLED and Solar versions of the Instinct 3 smartwatch gain a new Rucking activity and the accompanying Pack Weight setting. All three versions now support the recently announced Garmin Connect+ paid subscription and get the Passcode security tool with wrist detection. Other additions include more locations for the Weather glance and the ability to detect variations in your breathing while you sleep.

The Instinct 3 Tactical models gain support for intervals in Timers and the Stage Timer app, as well as the ability to ‘Delete all Targets’ for Applied Ballistics. For Instinct 3 AMOLED smartwatches come new Morning Report greeting page animations. Plus, there are now Daily Suggested Workouts in the Workouts app, though this feature is only mentioned in the change log for the Instinct E and Instinct 3 Solar (45mm Black curr. $399.99 at Amazon) wearables.

The complete change logs for Instinct 3 system software 9.20 can be found below. According to a recent blog post, this update is currently available for 20% of users. The software can be installed via the Garmin Connect app or Garmin Express.