Garmin Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 Get New Beta Update With Key Fixes
Garmin is rolling out a fresh beta software update for two of its popular running smartwatches, the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970. The latest release, Public Beta Version 18.14, follows the earlier v18.12 beta that arrived at the beginning of July and introduced a wide range of changes, including new voice control features.
This new update is not about flashy new tools. Instead, Garmin is focusing on stability, smoother performance, and fixing several annoying bugs that could affect daily use, workouts, music playback, alarms, and touch controls.
Public Beta Version 18.14 is currently being distributed through Garmin’s Beta Program. The rollout is phased, meaning only around 20% of eligible beta users have received the update notification so far. However, users who do not want to wait can manually check for it directly on the watch.
To look for the update, open the main menu, go to Settings, then System, then Software Update, and select Check For Updates.
The update includes 18 listed changes, with most of them focused on bug fixes. One of the more useful improvements is a reduction in false unlocks when using the Touch Lock feature. This should help prevent accidental taps during workouts or everyday use.
Garmin has also made several fixes related to music and audio behavior. For example, the update addresses an issue where music could play over a spectator message, as well as a bug that caused music volume to rise after an alarm. Another fix prevents music from briefly playing through the watch speaker after headphones are disconnected.
Headphone users should also notice more consistent behavior. Button tones are now set to off by default when headphones are connected, and Garmin has fixed an issue where audio volume through headphones could change incorrectly when using focus mode.
The update also improves alarm behavior. Garmin has fixed a problem where a vibration-only alarm could still play a tone, along with another issue affecting alarm volume adjustments. Alert volume should now better match the user’s chosen settings.
Workout tracking also receives attention in this release. Public Beta Version 18.14 fixes a bug that could cause the watch to reset when saving an indoor rowing activity. It also resolves a crash that could happen during indoor climb activities. Garmin has also corrected an issue involving rest day selection for daily suggested workouts and Garmin Coach plans.
Another important fix addresses a mismatch between training days shown on the watch and those listed in the Garmin Coach plan. This should make training schedules clearer and more reliable for users following structured coaching plans.
Water sports users may also benefit from this update, as Garmin has fixed an issue where touch input could remain enabled during water sports while a custom focus mode was active.
The music page has been improved as well. Garmin says it fixed an issue where playback status could display incorrectly, along with a bug where the previous button might fail to restart the current song.
In addition to these specific fixes, the update includes minor issue corrections and translation updates, helping improve the overall experience across different regions and languages.
Public Beta Version 18.14 may not be the most feature-packed Garmin update, but it appears to be an important refinement for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970. With fixes for crashes, audio problems, alarms, workout planning, touch controls, and music playback, the update should make both smartwatches feel more polished and dependable.
For users already enrolled in the Garmin Beta Program, this is a worthwhile update to install, especially if they have experienced any of the issues listed above.
