Garmin Issues New Beta Update for Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, and Tactix 8 to Address Bugs
Garmin has released a new beta update, Version 20.14, for its Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, and Tactix 8 smartwatches today to resolve several recently identified software issues.
The update, available as an over-the-air (OTA) update for participants in Garmin’s Public Beta Program, follows Beta Version 20.13 which arrived earlier this week with over half a dozen fixes. Notably, the company has not yet extended the beta program to the newer Fenix 8 Pro, despite recently adding it to the program. The changelog details fixes for issues including tide alerts activating during sleep windows, touch lock controls failing to toggle with “Do Not Disturb” enabled, and a security vulnerability in the Wallet PIN timeout screen that allowed users to bypass the timer.
Garmin notes that Aviation, Dive, and ECG features remain disabled in Beta Version 20.14 and will be activated in future beta updates expected to become stable software releases. These features are critical for users relying on the watches for specialized activities, and their continued testing indicates Garmin is prioritizing thoroughness before wider deployment. For more information on smartwatch features, see TechRadar’s guide to the best smartwatches.
The company anticipates further beta builds before transitioning to a stable software branch. Users can find more details about the beta program and updates on the Garmin Forums.
Garmin expects the update to reach eligible device owners within the next 24 hours.
Garmin has found another trio of bugs that need addressing for the Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8 and Tactix 8, having introduced a new beta update earlier this week. To recap, Beta Version 20.13 arrived with over half a dozen big fixes but no new features.
Additionally, Garmin decided against offering Beta Version 20.13 to the newer Fenix 8 Pro (curr. $1.199.99 on Amazon), despite recently adding the high-end smartwatch to its Public Beta Program. The same is true for its replacement, Beta Version 20.14, which Garmin is offering as an over-the-air (OTA) update for Beta Program participants. Therefore, the update should reach Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8 and Tactix 8 owners within the next day or so.
It seems that Garmin has a few more beta builds up its sleeve before transitioning v20.xx development to its stable software branch, though. Although not said explicitly in its accompanying forum post, Garmin states the Aviation, Dive and ECG features remain disabled with Beta Version 20.14, which it will only activate with beta updates it anticipates will become stable software. The changelog between Beta Version 20.13 and Beta 20.14 is as follows:
- Fixed Tide Alerts Going Off During Sleep Window.
- Fixed Touch Lock Control Not Toggling When Do Not Disturb Is On.
- Fixed Wallet Pin Timeout Screen Allowing Users To Bypass Timer.
Prior to writing and translating for Notebookcheck, I worked for various companies including Apple and Neowin. I have a BA in International History and Politics from the University of Leeds, which I have since converted to a Law Degree. Happy to chat on Twitter or Notebookchat.
