Garmin has started rolling out beta software version 26.09 to several of its popular adventure-focused smartwatches, including the Fenix 7, Epix, Enduro 2, Quatix 7, and MARQ Gen 2. The update arrives just a couple of weeks after version 26.07, continuing Garmin’s steady pace of refinements aimed at improving reliability and everyday usability.
What makes Garmin beta 26.09 especially interesting is a notable change that could signal an upcoming stable release for Fenix 7 owners and users of related models: the ECG feature is enabled. Typically, Garmin turns off ECG during beta cycles, so its presence here suggests the company may be preparing for a broader public rollout of the 26.xx software line sooner rather than later.
Beyond ECG being active, the update largely mirrors the previous beta in terms of fixes. Garmin lists three bug fixes in the 26.09 change log, focusing on issues that could affect consistency between devices and apps, workout coaching stability, and navigation reliability:
One fix addresses a mismatch in the Power Manager app, where text shown on the watch did not align with what users saw in the Garmin Connect app. Another resolves a problem that could cause the smartwatch to shut down when using Garmin Coach, a key feature for structured training plans. The third fix targets button navigation issues tied to the InReach Widget, helping improve control and interaction for users who rely on satellite communication tools and related integrations.
Garmin is distributing beta version 26.09 as an over-the-air (OTA) update for eligible users. If your watch is connected to your phone, the software should download and install automatically as it reaches your device. Garmin hasn’t confirmed exactly when the stable 26.xx update will arrive for everyone, but the decision to keep ECG enabled in this beta is a strong hint that a full release may be close.
