Just over a week after its last beta release, Garmin is back with another firmware iteration for its popular Fenix 7 series and associated smartwatches, focusing on crucial stability fixes as the path to a final, stable public release continues.
For enthusiasts in the Garmin Beta Program, the waiting game is a familiar one, punctuated by regular updates that slowly refine and perfect the experience on their high-end wearables. The latest chapter in this ongoing development is Beta version 23.35, which began rolling out over-the-air (OTA) to participants in the last 24 hours.
This new build arrives hot on the heels of v23.31 and addresses at least one significant user-facing bug that could cause unexpected device behavior. While the update is a step forward, Garmin has confirmed that certain high-profile features like ECG and Dive functionality remain disabled, indicating that the beta journey is not yet over.
A Rapid, Comprehensive Rollout
In a notable shift from sometimes-staggered releases, Garmin has moved quickly with this beta. The company announced that within roughly 12 hours of its initial release, the v23.35 update had been distributed to 100% of eligible devices enrolled in the program. This includes the Garmin Fenix 7, the newer Fenix 7 Pro (currently available for $539 on Amazon), and the related Epix and Enduro models.
This efficient rollout suggests Garmin is confident in the stability of this particular build and is eager to gather widespread feedback before potentially moving toward a public stable channel release.
What’s New and Fixed in Beta Version 23.35?
According to the company’s official forum post announcing the update, Beta version 23.35 focuses on two key areas, building upon the work started in the previous version.
- Enhanced InReach Remote Stability: Garmin notes it has "improved inReach Remote stability again." This was also a focus of the previous beta build (v23.31), showing that the company is diligently working to ensure seamless connectivity and performance for users who rely on satellite communication features, a critical tool for adventurers in remote areas.
- Fixed Device Shutdown Bug: Perhaps the most user-critical fix in this update addresses an issue that "could potentially cause a device shutdown when accessing the activity selection list." For a device built around tracking dozens of sports and activities, a crash at this fundamental level was a significant nuisance. This fix will be a welcome relief for beta testers who encountered the problem.
The full details, as always, can be found in the official Beta Version 23.35 - Now Available OTA (Over-the-Air) announcement on the Garmin forums.
The Road to a Stable Release: What’s Next for the Fenix 7 Series?
While the fixes in v23.35 are important, the absence of ECG and Dive features in this beta cycle confirms that Garmin is not yet ready to package these recent beta developments into a stable public update. The re-enabling of these premium features is often a key milestone, signaling that a firmware version is mature enough for all users.
This means that participants in the Beta Program should expect at least one more update before Garmin can transition this development branch to the stable software channel. For users who prefer a "set it and forget it" experience, sticking with the current public stable version remains the recommended path.
For those looking to get in on the Garmin ecosystem, the robust update schedule is a sign of the company's ongoing support. The feature-packed Garmin Fenix 7 Pro continues to be a top contender in the advanced smartwatch market, and these consistent firmware refinements only enhance its value over time.
Are you in the Garmin Beta Program? Have you noticed improved stability with the latest update? Let us know your experience in the comments below.