Garmin Rolls Out Beta Version 20.18 for Fenix 8 Series Smartwatches
Garmin has released Beta Version 20.18 as an over-the-air update for its Fenix 8 Pro, Fenix E, Fenix 8, Enduro 3, and Tactix 8 smartwatches, addressing a potential system crash and preparing for future stable software releases.
The update, available globally, fixes a system crash that could occur when manually ending Sleep mode. According to a post on the Garmin forums, the company has already deployed the beta to 50% of eligible devices enrolled in the Beta Program. Users can manually check for the update by navigating to Menu, System, Software Update, and selecting ‘Check for Updates’.
Notably, Garmin has temporarily disabled Aviation, Dive, and ECG features within Beta Version 20.18, signaling further beta updates are planned before a full stable release. This iterative approach allows Garmin to thoroughly test new features and bug fixes before wider distribution, ensuring a smoother experience for all users. Smartwatches are increasingly used for health and safety monitoring, making stable software crucial.
Garmin has not yet announced a timeline for the transition from the 20.xx development phase to a stable software release. For more information on Garmin’s smartwatch features and technology, visit the official Garmin website. Users interested in learning more about the Beta Program can find details on Garmin’s forums.
The company stated that additional updates will be forthcoming as development continues.
Earlier this week, Garmin finally brought the Fenix 8 Pro (curr. $1,199.99 on Amazon) onto its Beta Program with the release of Beta Version 20.15. As we discussed at the time, the beta focused almost exclusively on Garmin’s latest Fenix 8 series smartwatch, despite also being rolled out to the regular Fenix E, Fenix 8, the Enduro 3 and the Tactix 8.
Now, the company has moved these smartwatches to Beta Version 20.18, which it is offering as an over-the-air (OTA) update globally. In a forum post, the company clarifies that it has already offered the new beta to 50% of eligible devices. If that is not the case for your Beta Program-enrolled smartwatch, then you can head to Menu, System, Software Update and select ‘Check for Updates’ to download Beta Version 20.18 manually.
According to Garmin, the new beta fixes a potential system crash that could occur when ending Sleep mode manually. Also, the company warns that it has disabled Aviation, Dive and ECG features on the Beta Version 20.18. As a result, more beta updates are to come before Garmin transitions 20.xx development to a new stable software release. Unfortunately, Garmin has not offered any clarity about future stable rollout plans yet.
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.
