Garmin has introduced a new set of beta builds for its Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro smartwatches. In keeping with recent firmware, the new updates focus on resolving outstanding bugs rather than adding additional features or functionality.
Garmin’s Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro smartwatches are not old by any means. However, last year’s arrival of the Fenix 8 (curr. $1,099.99 on Amazon) has resulted in the addition of new features drying up for the pair, as well as for the Epix 2, Enduro 2, Marq 2 and Quatix 7. For instance, a recent leak suggests that all these smartwatches will miss out on new features that Garmin will introduce as part of its Q1 2025 update package.
Recent beta updates underline Garmin’s change in approach, too. Typically, the first few beta builds in a new update cycle would focus on integrating new functionality, as has been the case in the past and with the Fenix 8 series. By contrast, the second and third beta updates since the introduction of System Software 19.41 have been consigned to resolving outstanding bugs.
For instance, Beta Version 20.11 is said to have shipped with ‘various bug fixes’, albeit without any clarity about what these may resolved. Now, its replacement has arrived with five further improvements, again all bug fixes. Nonetheless, Beta Version 20.12 should improve the user experience in several areas like workouts, using the onboard maps service or pairing headphones. The full list of changes and improvements this time around