ⓘ Garmin
Garmin is now offering a new update to one of its popular Forerunner smartwatches. Available globally, the update introduces dozens of improvements, including eighteen bug fixes and multiple new features.
Garmin has started a new software rollout for the Forerunner 970 (curr. $749 on Amazon). Specifically, it has released v19.15 for those running beta software. Please see Garmin's dedicated support page for details about enrolling on its Beta Program.
According to an official forum post, Public Beta Version 19.15 introduces 28 changes compared to recent v18.xx firmware. Of those listed, 18 are bug fixes, including one said to address excessive battery drain when using Alipay. Additionally, Public Beta Version 19.15 should resolve multiple issues that caused the Forerunner 970 to reboot in certain circumstances.
Moreover, Garmin's new beta adds 3 new features. The company stresses that the update is being offered on a pre-rollout basis. Consequently, one must request the update manually by navigating through the main menu to Settings, System and Software Update before tapping 'Check for Updates'. Please see Garmin's forum post for more details about Public Beta Version 19.15. The full changelog for Garmin's latest beta update is as follows:
- Adds instructions for entering pairing mode for HRM 200/600.
- Adjusts Change Sport to show favourite activities first with a More option.
- Changes Auto Lap prompts to announce lap numbers during workouts.
- Changes Pulse Ox App to only block vibrations while taking a reading.
- Fixes a reboot that could occur when processing Garmin Explore data.
- Fixes activity pause menu navigation so Resume can be reached by list wrapping.
- Fixes alert volume unmuting itself after silent mode is turned on.
- Fixes an issue preventing removal of the Radar Camera Controls data screen.
- Fixes an issue that could cause Breathwork Live Activity instructions to appear blank.
- Fixes an issue that could cause the device to restart when starting a GPS activity with Bluetooth headphones connected.
- Fixes an issue that prevented spectator message actions from opening.
- Fixes battery drain issue that could happen while using Alipay.
- Fixes inconsistent Bluetooth headset volume control and volume synchronisation
- Fixes list becoming stuck when entering Pinyin.
- Fixes missing Find My Device alerts on repeated searches.
- Fixes notifications appearing during high-intensity workout intervals by delaying delivery.
- Fixes occasional device reset upon shutdown.
- Fixes some roads showing as thick black lines.
- Fixes Spoken Watch Face not working after swimming.
- Fixes the virtual partner screen not displaying automatically when racing yourself from a downloaded activity.
- Fixes the watch not immediately moving a stock up/down in its list when rearranging stocks.
- Fixes watch rebooting while answering a phone call on the watch.
- Improves accuracy of swim length and swim stroke type detection.
- Improves POI search result speed.
- Keeps showing weather data when hitting outages.
- Only shows full page course turn guidance if not watching map page.
- Updates activity discard behaviour for activities longer than 30 seconds.
- Updates move alerts by adding manual snooze options and automatic suppression conditions.
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, 2026-10-21 (Update: 2026-10-21)