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| The Forerunner 970 is one of several smartwatches eligible to receive a feature-packed new beta update. |
Garmin has been on a relentless update schedule over the last few weeks, pushing out a steady stream of software improvements across its wearable lineup. While much of the recent buzz has surrounded the launch and subsequent retail availability of the flagship Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro series, the company has not forgotten about its mid-range and upper mid-range user base. In a move that will please athletes and casual users alike, Garmin has just confirmed the simultaneous rollout of a new public beta update for five of its most popular current-generation devices.
The new software, identified as Beta Version 18.27, is now available as an over-the-air (OTA) download for the Forerunner 570, Forerunner 970, Venu 4, Venu X1, and the Vivoactive 6. This synchronized release represents a significant push by Garmin to standardize the user experience and squash lingering bugs across the AMOLED display generation of hardware.
How to Download the Update
For users eager to get their hands on the latest fixes, Garmin has made the installation process straightforward. As is standard with Garmin’s beta ecosystem, users do not necessarily need a computer to participate; the update is delivered directly to the wrist. If your device has not automatically prompted you for the download yet, you can manually initiate it via the watch settings. Simply navigate to the Main Menu > Settings > System > Software Update, and then tap “Check For Updates.”
It is worth noting that Garmin typically deploys these beta rollouts in waves to ensure server stability. If you do not see the update immediately upon checking, don’t panic; the company usually completes the global rollout for all enrolled devices within a few days.
A Bug-Squashing Bonanza: What’s New in 18.27?
Moving from the previous build, Beta Version 18.19, this new iteration does not introduce flashy new metrics or redesigns. Instead, it focuses heavily on stability, audio performance, and display reliability. According to the official changelog released by the company, the update contains over a dozen specific fixes aimed at polishing the user experience.
The display has received particular attention in this build. Garmin engineers have addressed a potential issue that could cause "unexpected behavior and inconsistent gesture response," an annoyance that has plagued some users during wrist raises. Additionally, a stubborn bug that prevented the Always-On Display (AOD) setting from taking effect has been rectified.
For the audio enthusiasts and those who use their smartwatch as a central hub for communication, this update is a substantial one. Several fixes target the audio subsystem directly. One of the most notable changes fixes an issue where the phone assistant (voice assistant) could fail to recognize voice commands or would stop working entirely if interrupted by an incoming call. Furthermore, Garmin has adjusted the audio mixing so that spectator messages are no longer cut off prematurely and are much easier to hear over background music.
For those interested in the granular details of the code changes, you can view the official changelog and discussion thread for Beta Version 18.27 on the Garmin Forums.
Golfing and Safety Improvements
Garmin’s multisport credentials mean that fixes often span a wide variety of activities. In this build, golfers will be happy to know that Garmin has fixed a specific issue that caused a delay in showing the score prompt during a round. While seemingly minor, this latency could disrupt the flow of a game when using the Forerunner or Venu series on the course.
Safety features were not overlooked either. The update fixes an issue where alert tones could fail to play during an incident detection event. This is a critical fix, as audible feedback is vital for users who rely on their watch to trigger safety notifications during a fall or accident.
Music and Notification Fixes
The music control experience has been fine-tuned as well. A fix has been deployed for instances where the volume failed to adjust correctly within the music app, alongside a solution for a bug where music would not pause correctly when the music provider was set to "Control Phone." Even the subtle "button tones" have been fixed to ensure they sound correctly, providing the tactile feedback users expect when navigating the UI.
The full beta changelog includes:
- Fixes for display behavior and gesture response.
- Fixes for golf score prompt delays.
- A fix for Always-On Display settings.
- A fix for incident detection alert tones.
- Fixes for audio spectator message volume and truncation.
- Fixes for phone assistant voice recognition and call interruptions.
- Fixes for music app volume and pausing.
- Fixes for button tones.
- Translation updates.
- Various other minor bug fixes.
The Current Garmin Lineup Context
The inclusion of the Vivoactive 6 in this rollout is particularly interesting for bargain hunters. As the successor to one of Garmin’s best-selling lifestyle watches, the Vivoactive 6 bridges the gap between everyday smartwatch functionality and fitness tracking. While it sits slightly below the Venu series in terms of premium features like the latest heart rate sensor or speaker capabilities, it remains a favorite for those who prioritize battery life and a lightweight design.
Currently, the Vivoactive 6 is seeing competitive pricing at major retailers, making it an even more attractive entry point into the Garmin ecosystem. You can check the current availability and live pricing for the Garmin Vivoactive 6 on Amazon here. This price point, combined with the proactive software support seen in this beta, solidifies Garmin’s reputation for long-term device value.
Final Thoughts
While this is a "Beta" release, Garmin’s public beta programs are historically stable and are often used by the community as daily drivers. The fixes in Version 18.27 address core functionality—specifically the reliability of the display and the voice assistant—that will make these devices feel significantly more responsive.
For owners of the Forerunner 570, Forerunner 970, Venu 4, Venu X1, and Vivoactive 6, this update is a clear signal that Garmin is actively listening to feedback logged in their community forums. If you rely on your watch for daily notifications, golf, or managing your music on a run, downloading this beta is highly recommended to resolve the minor frustrations that may have been present in the previous firmware.