Garmin is rolling out a major v12.xx software refresh to its recent mid-range smartwatches, starting with Beta Version 12.12 for the Instinct 3 lineup and related models. While these builds are still in beta and a stable release may be a few weeks away, the update delivers meaningful new features, performance tweaks, and a long list of fixes aimed at improving day-to-day reliability.
What’s new and improved in v12.12
– Sensor updates via Bluetooth Low Energy: You can now update compatible sensor software over BLE, removing the need for a wired connection in many cases.
– Alert customization in Garmin Connect Mobile: Edit custom alerts and proximity alerts directly from the Garmin Connect Mobile app once your watch is on v12.12.
– HRM Pace and Distance over BLE: Added for AMOLED and Solar models, expanding training metrics from supported heart rate accessories.
– Refinements across the system: UI polish, app tweaks, and reliability upgrades are included throughout.
Fixes and feature additions by model
All Instinct 3 and Instinct E:
– Added the ability to edit custom and proximity alerts in Garmin Connect Mobile.
– Added support for updating sensor software over BLE.
– Improved the Area Calculation app interface.
– Fixed interval alerts behavior for quick timer.
– Fixed an issue where the Messenger glance could be added twice.
– Corrected missing or incorrect units in Messenger message details.
– Resolved a potential issue that could show a flat course elevation plot.
– Fixed a case where wrist-based heart rate could not be enabled by a power mode if the main system setting was off.
Instinct 3 Solar and Instinct E only:
– Added a Steps data field.
– Added a Recovery Time watch face data field option.
– Fixed a case where software updates wouldn’t immediately appear after checking for updates.
– Addressed issues in the Weather app when launched from the app list.
– Corrected DogTrack distance when using metric units.
– Fixed watch face charts occasionally showing outdated data.
– Corrected calendar watch face data fields that could display future events.
– Resolved a potential graphical glitch on the Morning Report watch face.
Instinct 3 AMOLED and Instinct 3 Solar only:
– Added HRM Pace and Distance support over BLE.
Instinct 3 AMOLED only:
– Added a UTC data field option to more watch faces.
– Added a barometer data field option to the default watch face.
– Fixed Morning Report and Workout animations on the 45 mm variant.
Instinct 3 Solar only:
– Fixed a crash when viewing daily suggested workouts.
– Corrected the load ratio graph indicator.
Instinct Crossover AMOLED only:
– Added a new watch face design.
– Various UI fixes and general improvements.
– Fixed an issue where the hands could become stuck after completing an activity.
– Resolved various sensor menu issues.
– Fixed the golf club sensor info page.
– Corrected the missed call animation.
– Adjusted the barometer chart scale.
– Fixed the Kill Switch countdown on Tactical models.
What to expect next
This is the first public beta in the v12.xx cycle, so additional beta builds are likely before a stable rollout. If you’re part of the beta program, updating to v12.12 gives you early access to BLE sensor updates, deeper alert customization via Garmin Connect Mobile, and expanded HRM pace/distance support on AMOLED and Solar models—plus a broad sweep of fixes that should make training and everyday use smoother.
For anyone waiting on the stable release, these changes preview a substantial upgrade focused on connectivity, training metrics, and overall reliability across the Instinct 3 family and compatible variants.
