Garmin update expected to boost battery life and fix bugs across multiple smartwatches

Garmin has begun rolling out a new firmware update across several of its smartwatches. Software version 18.19 is arriving on the Vivoactive 6 (on Amazon), Venu 4, Venu X1, as well as the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 (on Amazon). Although this is a beta update, it can be installed directly on the watch over-the-air without needing a cable connection to a PC. Users enrolled in the beta program can manually request the download at any time.

While version 18.19 comes with a lengthy changelog, it introduces no new standalone features, and specific changes vary slightly depending on the model. According to the release notes for the Venu X1, the update focuses primarily on bug fixes alongside a minor usability tweak: the flashlight can now be controlled more easily via a shortcut during activities to cycle through its different operating modes.

Furthermore, software version 18.19 addresses several bugs that previously caused unexpected restarts on the Venu X1. It also fixes an issue that led to increased battery drain, which should help restore expected battery life—though it remains unclear how widespread the bug was. Additional refinements target music playback, LiveTrack, mapping features, and on-device PacePro plan creation.