Garmin smartwatches receive new update with promise of GPS activity crash fixes

Garmin has returned with a new beta update for the Instinct 3 series after sharing details about its May 2025 Feature Updates earlier this week. For context, it seems that at least some of these new features have already been packaged into System Software 9.20, full details of which we have covered separately.

Subsequently, Garmin claimed that System Software 9.20 concluded its v9.xx beta period for not just all Instinct 3 AMOLED and Solar variants but also for the cheaper Instinct E (curr. $249.99 on Amazon). The release of Beta Version 9.21 suggests that Garmin spoke too soon, though. For reference, Garmin is sending out the new update to beta testers as an over-the-air (OTA) download. Consequently, you should receive a notification to download it within the next few days if that has not already occurred.

According to Garmin, Beta Version 9.21 should fix a potential crash that could occur during activities where GPS is activated. Unfortunately, the company has not provided any additional further details in this regard. Nonetheless, we suspect that Garmin will transition that new update to its stable software channel shortly unless it finds any further bugs during its latest beta testing phase.