TL;DR: Garmin is rolling out a new Beta update (v15.16) for the Forerunner 570 and 970 smartwatches, directly addressing a frustrating bug that caused the devices to reset when manually exiting sleep mode. This update, which requires a manual check, also fixes auto-scrolling on activity summaries and updates translations.
If you’re an early adopter of Garmin’s recent mid-range running champions, the Forerunner 570 or the higher-end Forerunner 970, you’ll be pleased to know the company is already fine-tuning your experience. Just days after a previous update drew some user ire for removing a handy sleep mode shortcut, Garmin is back with a new Beta release that tackles more critical functionality, specifically targeting a pesky sleep mode bug.
This new development underscores Garmin’s commitment to its agile beta program, rapidly iterating on its software based on direct community feedback.
From Manual Reset to Smooth Mornings: The Headline Fix
The most significant improvement in Public Beta Version 15.16 is the resolution of a problem that could throw a wrench into any athlete's morning routine. The issue caused the watch to perform a full device reset whenever a user manually ended the sleep mode. Imagine being jolted awake by your alarm, switching off sleep mode to check your overnight recovery data, and instead being greeted by a spinning Garmin logo—it’s a frustrating way to start the day.
This fix will be a welcome relief for users who don't rely on a scheduled wake-up time and prefer to manually control their watch's sleep state. It ensures a seamless transition from sleep tracking to the day's first activities, whether that's a quick check of the weather or starting a morning run.
Beyond the sleep mode correction, the update includes another quality-of-life improvement. Garmin has fixed a bug where post-activity summary pages were being skipped during the auto-scroll sequence. After a run or workout, your watch automatically cycles through various data screens like pace, heart rate, and elevation. This fix ensures you won't miss any of that crucial performance data during the automated review.
The company also notes that the update "updates translations" in unspecified areas, likely improving the user experience for non-English speakers.
How to Get the Update on Your Forerunner 570 or 970
It’s important to note that this is still a beta release, meaning it's undergoing final testing before a wide, automatic rollout. As such, you won't receive it automatically. To get the update, you must be enrolled in the Garmin Beta Program and manually trigger the download.
Here’s how:
- Navigate to the Main Menu on your watch.
- Go to Settings.
- Select System.
- Tap Software Update.
- Finally, select 'Check for Updates'.
If your watch is enrolled in the beta program, it should begin downloading Beta Version 15.16. As with any beta software, it's wise to ensure your watch is charged and to be aware that there may still be undiscovered, minor bugs.
For the complete, official changelog and to engage with the community and Garmin developers, you can find the full forum announcements here:
A Responsive Update Cycle
This quick follow-up update is a positive sign for Garmin watch owners. It demonstrates that the company isn't just adding features but is also diligently squashing bugs that impact the daily user experience. The previous update (v15.13/15.12) removed the sleep mode shortcut, a change some users disliked, but this new release shows Garmin is listening and prioritizing stability.
The Forerunner 570 and 970 have been well-received for packing high-end training metrics and a brilliant AMOLED display into a more accessible price point than Garmin's flagship models. This proactive software support helps solidify their value in a competitive smartwatch market.
For those interested in the hardware itself, the Forerunner 970 is currently available on Amazon here.
What do you think of Garmin's beta program? Have you experienced the sleep mode reset bug? Let us know in the comments below.