 |
| Garmin’s Forerunner 970 smartwatch is receiving the v.16.37 update |
If you own a recent Garmin smartwatch, you might want to check your notifications. The fitness tech giant has officially begun rolling out the stable version of software update 16.37 for five of its most popular smartwatches. This update arrives just weeks after the beta version hit the forums, and it brings a solid mix of performance enhancements, translation tweaks, and critical bug fixes.
The update applies to a wide range of users, covering the Venu 4, the Venu X1, the vivoactive 6, the Forerunner 570, and the Forerunner 970.
A Refined Course Planner for Runners
According to the official release notes, one of the headline features of version 16.37 is a significant boost to the course planner tool, specifically for the Forerunner models.
For runners and triathletes who rely on the Forerunner series to map out complex routes, this update aims to make the experience smoother. While Garmin hasn’t specified the exact nature of the "performance improvements," users in the beta program noted that loading times for complex routes appear faster, and navigation through waypoints feels more responsive.
Additionally, Garmin has updated the system translations across these wearables. While the company did not list which specific languages received the improvements, it is common for these updates to refine phrasing and accuracy for non-English users in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, ensuring the user interface feels native and intuitive regardless of location.
Squashing Bugs: Headphones, HIIT, and Goal Alerts
Beyond performance boosts, software version 16.37 focuses heavily on stability. The update tackles three distinct bugs that have been a source of frustration for users:
- Headphone Connection Crashes: Several users reported that their devices would occasionally crash or freeze when connecting to Bluetooth headphones. This update resolves that instability, ensuring a seamless experience for those listening to music or podcasts on the go.
- HIIT Activity Crashes: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a staple for many Venu and vivoactive users. Garmin has fixed a bug that could cause the watch to crash unexpectedly during a HIIT workout session.
- Goal Alert Annoyance: In a fix that will likely please those who enjoy hitting daily targets, Garmin resolved an issue where users were only receiving a single goal alert per day. The software now correctly displays the alerts as intended.
How to Get the Update
If you own a Venu 4, Venu X1, vivoactive 6, Forerunner 570, or Forerunner 970, the software version 16.37 update is now available as a stable release.
Typically, the update will download and install automatically when your watch syncs with the Garmin Connect App on your smartphone or Garmin Express on your computer.
If you haven’t received the notification yet, or if you prefer to manually trigger the installation, you can do so directly from your wrist. Simply navigate to Menu > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.
For those interested in the community discussion surrounding this release, you can view the official forum thread and user feedback here.
Final Thoughts
This update appears to be a quality-of-life release rather than a feature-packed overhaul. By focusing on stability for the course planner, fixing crash issues related to headphones and HIIT, and correcting the goal alert logic, Garmin is ensuring that these devices—ranging from the lifestyle-focused Venu series to the performance-driven Forerunner line—remain reliable daily companions.
If you are currently using the Forerunner 970 (curr. from $714.99 at Amazon), this update is particularly recommended to get the most out of the advanced navigation features that the premium device offers.
Have you noticed any changes in battery life or performance after installing 16.37? Let us know in the comments below!
 |
| The release notes for Garmin software version 16.37 |