Garmin’s Latest Smartwatch Update Squashes the Battery-Drain Bug

Garmin is quietly pushing a new beta update to the vivoactive 6 that targets battery drain and adds smarter notification controls. Early reports from users suggest the release is version 15.05, arriving after the recent stable 12.74 build that addressed a Wi‑Fi download issue.

While not yet officially announced, beta testers say the update delivers three notable changes:
– Morning Report and Evening Report summaries can now be accessed directly from the watch’s Notification Center, making daily insights easier to find without diving through menus.
– A handy new gesture lets you dismiss a smart notification by simply placing your palm over the screen—ideal for quick, discreet interactions.
– A fix aimed at unexpected battery drain, which some owners had been experiencing, to help restore the multi-day endurance the vivoactive line is known for.

If you’re on the beta channel, you can check for the update on your watch by navigating to: Menu > Settings > System > Software Update. Garmin has yet to share an official changelog or rollout timeline. A similar beta was reportedly released for Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 models earlier in September 2025.

The vivoactive 6 continues to be a popular midrange smartwatch, often listed around $299.99, and these quality-of-life upgrades—especially the battery optimizations and gesture control—should make day-to-day use smoother. Keep an eye on your device’s update screen for version 15.05 if you’re eager to try the new features ahead of the stable release.