Garmin is rolling out a fresh beta software update for two of its latest running-focused smartwatches, the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970. The new release, beta version 16.28, lands just a couple of weeks after the previous beta (16.17) and continues Garmin’s steady push to polish workout tracking, improve reliability, and refine everyday usability.
According to Garmin’s official beta program notes, version 16.28 includes a long list of changes carried over from earlier 16.xx testing builds, but this update also introduces several genuinely new improvements that many athletes and golfers will notice right away.
One of the standout additions is a useful golf upgrade: users can now save custom targets on golf courses. If you frequently play the same courses and like to personalize goal distances or target points, this should make your setup faster and more consistent from round to round.
The update also targets interval training, giving Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 owners the ability to save changes for structured repeats so they’re ready for the next interval workout. In practice, this should reduce the friction of adjusting repeat sessions on the watch and having to redo the same tweaks again later.
For cyclists using Garmin Coach plans, beta 16.28 addresses a frustrating issue where the wrong Garmin Coach cycling workout could load. This type of bug can derail training days when you’re expecting a specific session, so the fix is a welcome step for anyone following a structured coaching plan.
Garmin is also pushing updated translations to both the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970, which should improve language accuracy and on-device text for users in supported regions.
For Forerunner 970 owners specifically, there’s an additional fix tied to the Backcountry Ski activity. After installing beta 16.28, maximum speed and mileage data should once again appear correctly on the post-activity summary page—an important detail for skiers who rely on recap stats to review performance after a session.
How to download Garmin beta 16.28 on Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970
If your watch is enrolled in Garmin’s beta program, you can manually check for the update directly on the device by going to Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.
As with most beta firmware, this release is designed for testing and may still include minor issues, but the focus here is clear: better workout accuracy, fewer training interruptions, and smarter sport-specific features across running, cycling, skiing, and golf.
