Garmin Rolls Out Major Update for Premium Smartwatches: New Features, Tweaks, and Beta Access

Fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, take note—your high-end Garmin watch just got smarter.

Garmin has unleashed a significant software update for its premium smartwatch lineup, including the Fenix 8 series, Epix Pro, and Enduro models. The upgrade, labeled Beta Version 17.22, delivers a slew of enhancements aimed at refining performance, battery life, and user experience—proving once again why Garmin dominates the rugged luxury smartwatch segment.

What’s New?

The update isn’t just about bug fixes (though it squashes several pesky ones). Key highlights include:

Optimized GPS Accuracy: Tweaked algorithms for better route tracking in dense forests or urban canyons.
Battery Saver 2.0: Extends standby time by up to 15% during multi-day expeditions.
Revamped Sleep Coach: Now integrates stress data to provide deeper recovery insights.
Quick Reply Improvements: Android users gain expanded canned-response options for notifications.
ClimbPro Enhancements: Real-time ascent grades now adjust more dynamically during trail runs.

For adventurers who live on the edge, Garmin’s beta program remains a goldmine for early features. The company actively encourages user feedback to polish updates before wide release—a win for the community.

👉 Dive into the full beta changelog and join the testing here: Garmin Forums - Beta Version 17.22.

Why It Matters

Garmin’s relentless refinement of its flagship watches underscores its commitment to the "outdoor tech" niche. Unlike competitors, these devices prioritize utility over flashiness—think solar charging, topographic maps, and storm alerts—while this update subtly elevates daily usability. Fitness coach and longtime Garmin user, Liam Chen, noted: "The sleep-stress correlation tool is a game-changer. It finally answers why I wake up drained after a low-stress day."

Availability

Beta 17.22 is rolling out over-the-air (OTA) to testers now. A stable release is expected in late August. Most post-2023 Garmin watches (Fenix 7/8, Epix Gen 2, Quatix 7) are eligible.

Ready to join the Garmin elite? Snag the latest Fenix 8 or Epix Pro today:
Shop Garmin Fenix 8 on Amazon

Pro tip: Beta updates carry minor instability risks—back up your data first!

Image: Garmin
Stay tuned for hands-on testing updates.