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| Garmin is now offering a new beta update to the Fenix 7 Pro and its peers too. |
Just when you thought it was safe to put your smartwatch down, Garmin is back with another software update. It feels like only yesterday that the company started rolling out Beta Version 26.06 to a wide range of its premium fitness trackers, including the rugged Enduro 2, the ever-popular Fenix 7 series, the maritime-focused Quatix 7, and the luxurious Marq Gen 2.
However, in the fast-paced world of wearable tech, a week is a long time—especially when bugs are involved. Initially, Garmin hinted that the Pro-branded models (like the Fenix 7 Pro) would have to wait a little longer to get the latest features. But following a critical hiccup with the initial beta, the company has completely pivoted, jumping straight to Beta Version 26.07 and expanding compatibility faster than anyone expected.
What Went Wrong with 26.06?
The original Beta Version 26.06 was largely focused on refining the user experience. But shortly after the update hit the wrists of testers, Garmin confirmed a rather annoying issue: a bug that was disrupting inReach Remote usage.
For adventurers and backcountry explorers who rely on Garmin’s inReach technology to stay safe off the grid, this was a non-starter. The bug interfered with the remote functionality, creating a potential headache for those who use their watch as a command center for satellite communicators.
Rather than letting the issue linger, Garmin’s engineering team worked quickly to squash the bug. The result is Beta Version 26.07, which is now being deployed not just to the original list of devices, but to the newer Pro-branded smartwatches as well.
If you are rocking a Fenix 7 Pro or the Fenix 7X Pro, you are now eligible to jump on this beta train.
How to Get the Update (It’s Not Automatic)
Here is the most important part of this update cycle: You have to ask for it.
Unlike standard public rollouts that happen automatically overnight, Beta Version 26.07 is currently available as a "check for updates" only release. That means Garmin isn’t pushing this to every watch via the cloud just yet; you need to manually prompt your device to look for it.
If you want to fix the inReach bug or simply want the latest features before anyone else, here is how to force the update:
- Press and hold the Menu button on your watch.
- Scroll to System and select it.
- Navigate to Software Update.
- Tap Check for Updates.
Your watch should immediately begin pulling down Beta Version 26.07. It is a relatively quick install, but make sure your watch has at least 50% battery life before starting the process.
For those who like to read the full developer notes and community feedback before clicking "install," you can check out the official forum announcement here:
Garmin Beta Program: Version 26.07 Announcement
What’s Actually New?
Since Garmin skipped a public release of 26.06 for the Pro models, this update bundles all the previous improvements along with the new hotfix. If you are currently running Beta Version 26.04 (or an older public build), moving to 26.07 will bring you up to speed with a few key refinements.
The full changelog between Beta Version 26.04 and 26.07 includes:
- Power Manager Fixes: Addressed text irregularities that were occurring between the watch face and the Garmin Connect app within the Power Manager app. Now your battery usage data should look consistent no matter where you view it.
- Garmin Coach Stability: Fixed a potential shutdown issue that could occur within the Garmin Coach app. If you are in the middle of training for a marathon, the last thing you want is your watch rebooting mid-run.
- Navigation Smoothing: Resolved an issue with button navigation on the InReach Widget, which was the primary bug necessitating this quick update.
Should You Install It?
For users who own a Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, Enduro 2, Quatix 7, or Marq Gen 2, this update is a solid step forward. Beta software always carries a slight risk of minor bugs (that’s why it’s beta), but Version 26.07 specifically exists to clean up the mess from the previous version.
If you rely heavily on the inReach features, this update is essentially mandatory to restore full functionality. If you are on the fence about grabbing the latest Fenix 7 Pro to try these new features yourself, you can check current pricing on Amazon here:
Check Price: Garmin Fenix 7X Pro on Amazon
As always, once Garmin confirms that this beta is stable, we expect them to roll these changes into a wider public release. But for those who want the fixes now, the "Check for Updates" button is waiting for you.