ⓘ Garmin
Garmin has released a new update for many of its mid-range smartwatches. At the same time, it has offered an explanation for its repeated changelogs, adding that 'behind-the-scenes improvements' are still being added before a future stable rollout.
Garmin has announced a new update for Instinct 3, Instinct 3 Solar, Instinct 3 Tactical, Instinct E and other associated smartwatches. For context, the company started a new beta development cycle over a month ago. In that time, it has introduced two subsequent firmware revisions, starting with Beta Version 16.04 before releasing Beta Versions 16.05 and 16.06.
Now, Garmin has transitioned the Instinct 3 series to Beta Version 16.07, including the Instinct Crossover AMOLED (curr. $649 on Amazon). Replacing Beta Version 16.06, v16.07 again repeats the changelog of earlier builds. For reference, the associated forum post mentions the following five changes:
- Added Recovery Mode.
- Fixed issue where DogTrack pointer would not update.
- Fixed lag when viewing calendar.
- Fixed possible crash when starting a workout through a CIQ app.
- Improved wave detection in Surf activity.
Apparently, this repeated changelog is by design rather than accidental. For some reason, Garmin has decided against clarifying this course of action in its forum post. Instead, it has offered an explanation when asked the question by a Beta Program participant.
Reportedly, Beta Version 16.07 should contain at least some security or stability improvements, as well as other non-user-facing changes. With that said, Garmin stresses that it may continue to offer incremental updates with 'few or no changelog differences'. Unfortunately, it has not indicated when v16.xx development will reach stable status yet. Garmin's full quote on the matter is as follows:
We are beginning the rollout of our Q4 beta software updates, so you may occasionally see incremental version numbers with few or no changelog differences. When this happens, the changes are typically limited to security, stability, or other behind-the-scenes improvements that do not introduce new user-facing changes.
To provide complete release information, each new software version includes the changelog entries from the previous version.
Alex Alderson - Senior Tech Writer - 15462 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018
Prior to writing and translating for Notebookcheck, I worked for various companies including Apple and Neowin. I have a BA in International History and Politics from the University of Leeds, which I have since converted to a Law Degree. Happy to chat on Twitter or Notebookchat.
Alex Alderson, 2026-10-22 (Update: 2026-10-22)