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| Garmin's new stable update focuses on fixing bugs for the Forerunner 165 and other associated smartwatches. |
If you’re lacing up your running shoes with a Garmin Forerunner on your wrist, there’s some good news to start your 2025 training. Garmin has begun rolling out a new stable software update, version 27.09, for several of its popular older Forerunner models. This release follows through on promises made in a late-2024 beta and focuses on refining the user experience by squashing pesky bugs.
From Beta to Stable: What’s in the Update?
Last December, Garmin was already testing the waters with Beta Version 27.08 for the Forerunner 165, 255, 265, 955, and 965. The highlight was a promised "improved scroll experience." Now, that beta development has officially graduated, culminating in the public release of Software Version 27.09.
Don’t expect flashy new features this time around. This is a maintenance update in the truest sense, but for many users, the changes will be just as welcome. The core of the update is a bundle of fixes for issues that had persisted in earlier beta and stable builds. Essentially, 27.09 is the polished, reliable version of what was being tested in 27.08.
Key Improvements in Garmin's Software Version 27.09:
- A Smoother Scroll: The headline improvement is a more responsive scrolling experience, specifically within the Activity Summary menu. This should make reviewing your past runs and workouts feel more fluid.
- Fixing a Potential Swim Crash: A notable fix addresses a bug that could cause the watch to crash during swimming activities—a critical fix for triathletes and pool swimmers.
- Restoring Race Predictions: If you use Garmin Coach to prepare for a race, you might have noticed your race time prediction going missing. This update resolves that issue, bringing the helpful forecast back to your plan.
- Touchscreen Call Handling: For most models in this list—specifically the Forerunner 165, 265, 955, and 965—a separate bug that prevented touchscreen actions from working for incoming calls has been resolved. (Note: The Forerunner 255, lacking a touchscreen, does not require this fix).
Garmin also notes that "various other bug fixes and stability improvements" are included, though the company hasn't provided a detailed changelog beyond the major points.
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| Garmin Forerunner 255 Software Version 27.09 changelog. |
How to Get the Update on Your Forerunner
The update is being distributed via a phased rollout over the next few days, so don’t panic if it doesn’t appear immediately on your device. If you’re eager to get the smoother experience and fixes now, you can manually prompt your watch to check.
Navigate to: Menu > System > Software Update > ‘Check for Updates’.
For detailed discussion and user experiences with the update, you can visit the official Garmin forums for your specific model:- Forerunner 165 Series Software 27.09 Discussion
- Forerunner 255 Series Software Version 27.09
- Forerunner 955 Series Software Version 27.09
- Forerunner 265 Software Version 27.09
- Forerunner 965 Software Version 27.09
A Nod to Lasting Value
This update underscores Garmin’s commitment to supporting its devices long after their release. For owners of these Forerunner models, it’s a welcome sign that your investment continues to be polished and improved. A stable, bug-free experience is crucial for a device that tracks your most demanding activities.
If you’ve been holding off on one of these capable GPS watches, the consistent software support makes them an even more compelling choice. For instance, the feature-packed Forerunner 165 remains a fantastic entry-point into Garmin’s ecosystem. You can check the latest price for the Forerunner 165 on Amazon here.
Have you received the update yet? Notice a difference in scrolling smoothness or resolved bugs? Let us know your experience in the comments below
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| Software Version 27.09 changelog for other Garmin Forerunner smartwatches. |