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| Garmin's latest Fenix 7 beta update can only be downloaded on non-Pro models for the time being. |
If you’re enrolled in Garmin’s public beta program, your watch might be buzzing with new code. The company has swiftly moved from its late-November Beta Version 23.41 to a new release, now rolling out Beta Version 23.48 to a select group of its premium wearables.
This over-the-air (OTA) update is currently available for owners of the Epix (Gen 2), Enduro 2, Fenix 7, Quatix 7, and Marq Gen 2 smartwatches. In a note to users, Garmin stated that support for the Pro variants of these models will follow in a subsequent release. Notably, the Tactix 7 and the MARQ Aviator Gen 2 remain outside the public beta program for now. (For those interested in the MARQ Aviator, you can find a refurbished model on Amazon for about $1,299).
According to Garmin, the deployment to 100% of eligible devices is complete. If your compatible watch hasn’t prompted you yet, you can manually check. Simply go to Menu > System > Software Update and tap ‘Check for Updates’ to trigger the installation immediately.
What’s Inside Beta Version 23.48?
This build appears to be a focused maintenance update, primarily aimed at improving system stability and squashing specific bugs. According to the official changelog shared by Garmin, version 23.48 addresses a few key issues:
- Fixed Sensor Visibility: A fix for an issue that prevented some paired accessories from appearing in the Sensors and Accessories menu.
- Resolved Random Shutdowns: The update should stop an occasional shutdown that could occur on the PlaneSync page.
- iR Remote Refinements: General improvements have been made to the iR Remote functionality, though Garmin has not provided detailed specifics on what was changed.
For the complete official announcement and direct feedback from other beta testers, you can visit the Garmin Beta Forum announcement thread.
A Sign of More Beta Builds to Come
A telling detail in this release is that Garmin has disabled Dive and ECG functionality. This is a common practice in beta cycles where certain features are temporarily turned off to isolate and stabilize core system performance. This move strongly suggests that more beta builds are planned before Garmin is ready to package these improvements into a new, stable public update for all users.
The jump from version 23.41 to 23.48 indicates active development, with the company addressing tester feedback quickly. For those in the beta program, installing this update will provide a smoother experience, particularly if you’ve faced sensor listing issues or PlaneSync instability.
As always, beta software comes with the caveat that it may contain bugs. Users who prefer a rock-solid experience should wait for the official, stable release that will follow this testing period. For eligible testers eager to try the latest fixes, the update is now live and waiting in your watch’s settings menu.