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| Garmin’s Approach S44 is receiving software version 9.04 |
If you rely on a Garmin Approach S44 or Approach S50 to track your rounds, there’s some good news coming from Olathe this week. The company has started rolling out a fresh stable software update – system version 9.04 – that tackles a handful of nagging bugs reported by users over the past few months.
The release arrives roughly four months after the previous 8.04 update, which itself focused on patching issues related to the music app and the PlaysLike function. Now, version 9.04 is here to smooth out some specific in-round workflows that, while minor, could throw off your focus on the course.
What’s New in Garmin Approach S44 and S50 Update 9.04?
According to release notes shared by a Garmin representative on the official Garmin forums, the 9.04 update addresses two primary bugs affecting both models – plus one extra fix exclusive to the Approach S44.
Here’s exactly what’s changed:
- Automatic scoring flow after the final hole – Previously, some users reported that after finishing the last hole on a course and leaving the green, the scoring screen wouldn’t automatically appear. That interruption has been resolved. Now, the watch should seamlessly prompt you to review and save your scorecard without any extra taps.
- Rangefinder measurement arc not showing – For golfers who pair their Approach watch with a compatible Garmin Rangefinder (like the Z-series), the visual measurement arc that overlays on the watch display sometimes failed to appear. Version 9.04 fixes that missing arc, so you’ll once again see the laser distance overlaid on your hole view.
- Music controls glance bug (Approach S44 only) – A device-specific annoyance where certain buttons would unexpectedly hide from the music controls glance has been patched. If you often use your S44 to skip tracks or adjust volume during a round, this one’s for you.
How to Get the Update on Your Approach S44 or S50
The update is rolling out as a stable, over-the-air release. Most users should see a notification on their watch when the update is ready to install. As always, ensure your watch has at least 50% battery and stays within Bluetooth range of your paired smartphone during the process.
For anyone who hasn’t received the prompt yet, you can manually check for updates via the Garmin Connect app on your phone or by connecting the watch to Garmin Express on a computer.
Why This Update Matters for Daily Golfers
Garmin’s Approach S44 and S50 sit in a sweet spot – they’re dedicated golf wearables with full color course maps, automatic shot tracking, and the Green Contour feature (on the S50). Neither model is cheap, but they’re built for golfers who want a no-nonsense device that stays out of the way while delivering critical data.
Small bugs like a missing scoring prompt or a hidden music button might not seem like deal-breakers, but when you’re walking off the 18th green or trying to queue up a playlist between shots, those little friction points matter. Version 9.04 cleans up exactly that kind of low-grade frustration.
If you’ve been on the fence about picking one of these wearables, the Approach S50 is currently available at a solid price point.
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Official Changelog and Forum Confirmation
The official change log for version 9.04 was posted by a Garmin moderator in two separate forum threads – one for the Approach S44 and another for the S50. Both confirm identical fixes apart from the S44‑specific music button patch.
You can read the original announcements here:
- Garmin Approach S44 System Software Version 9.04 – Forum Discussion
- Garmin Approach S50 System Software Version 9.04 – Forum Discussion
One Small Caveat
As always with firmware updates, Garmin tends to roll these out in phases. If you haven’t seen version 9.04 appear yet, give it a few days. The company confirmed that the update is now available to all users of both models, so it should reach your watch soon.
Final Thoughts
It’s not a flashy feature drop – no new course maps, no redesigned interface. But version 9.04 is exactly the kind of stable, quality‑of‑life update that seasoned Garmin users have come to appreciate. The scoring flow fix alone will save a few confused moments after a long round, and the rangefinder arc correction brings back a genuinely useful visual aid.
If you own an Approach S44 or S50, install the update when you see it. If you’re shopping for a golf watch, these small but regular software improvements are one more reason to put Garmin on your shortlist.
Have you noticed any other changes after updating to 9.04? Drop a comment on the Garmin forums – and keep an eye out for our next update coverage when the next beta or stable release lands.
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| The change log for software version 9.04 for the Garmin Approach S44 smartwatch |