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| The Forerunner 165 is currently the only Forerunner smartwatch eligible to receive Beta Version 27.03 on a 'pre-rollout' basis. |
In a move that has caught the attention of the fitness tech community, Garmin has begun pushing out a new software update for one of its most popular entry-level GPS watches. The company is currently offering Beta Version 27.03 exclusively for the Forerunner 165, marking a slight departure from its typical multi-model rollout strategy.
Here’s what you need to know about this unexpected update.
An Unusual Solo Release
Typically, Garmin bundles software updates for its Forerunner series, releasing them simultaneously for models like the Forerunner 255, 265, 955, and 965. This makes the solo beta release for the Forerunner 165 (currently $199 on Amazon) somewhat unusual. Industry watchers speculate this could be a targeted "pre-rollout" phase, allowing Garmin to test stability on a single device before a wider release, though the company has not officially confirmed this reasoning.
How to Get the Update
Unlike automatic overnight updates, this beta version requires a manual download. Forerunner 165 owners eager to install it must navigate through their watch's menu:
Go to Main Menu > Settings > System > Software Update.
Tap 'Check For Updates'.
If the beta is available for your device, it will appear here for installation. As with any beta software, users should be aware of the potential for unexpected bugs.
What’s New? Garmin Is Keeping Details Vague
The official announcement, shared on the Garmin Beta Program forums, is notably light on specifics. According to the brief forum post, Beta Version 27.03 includes "various bug fixes" and "stability improvements."
What those bugs are, or what areas of the watch experience have been stabilized, remains unclear. This lack of detailed release notes is common for early beta builds but leaves users curious about what exactly has been tuned under the hood. For the complete official announcement, you can view the Garmin forum post here.
What This Means for Your Forerunner
For Forerunner 165 owners, this update signals active support and refinement for the watch, which is a positive sign for its long-term usability. The focus on fixes and stability suggests Garmin is polishing the user experience, even if major new features aren't part of this package.
For owners of other recent Forerunner models, the wait continues. There is no current timetable for when Beta Version 27.03—or its eventual stable release—will arrive for the Forerunner 255, 265, 955, or 965. The standalone release suggests Garmin's engineers might be addressing something specific to the Forerunner 165's platform before merging changes across the broader lineup.
The Bottom Line
This update is a quiet but noteworthy nod to the thriving Forerunner 165 user base. If you own one and don't mind the minor risk associated with beta software, manually checking for the update could bring a smoother experience. For others in the Forerunner family, it’s a hint that a broader system update is likely in the development pipeline, following this initial testing phase.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is available for purchase at major retailers, including Amazon.