Garmin is rolling out a fresh new beta update for the Vivoactive 6, and it’s a bigger step forward than the usual minor tune-up. After releasing Software Version 15.33 just a couple of weeks ago—an update that effectively wrapped up the entire 15.xx development cycle—Garmin has now moved on to the next chapter with Beta 16.11.
What makes Beta 16.11 notable is that it’s the first 16.xx update offered for the Vivoactive 6, meaning it’s packed with a wider range of additions than you’d typically see. In total, Garmin lists 11 new changes compared with Software Version 15.33, and unlike many updates that lean heavily on behind-the-scenes fixes, this one is all about features users can actually see and use.
Instead of a standard “bug fix” style changelog, Beta 16.11 focuses on expanding what the Vivoactive 6 can do day to day—especially when it comes to quick-access health insights, customization, and training support.
Here’s what’s new in Garmin Vivoactive 6 Beta 16.11 compared to Software Version 15.33:
1) New glance for tracking your favorite sports teams
This adds a faster way to keep up with the teams you care about directly from your wrist.
2) New battery and performance details glance
Beyond a basic battery percentage, this glance is designed to provide deeper battery-life and performance tracking at a glance.
3) New weight tracking glance
A dedicated glance makes weight tracking easier to monitor without digging through menus.
4) New glance that connects daily behaviors with health metrics
This aims to help you see how everyday choices impact certain health measurements, making trends easier to spot.
5) A new multi-sport activity mode
You can now record multiple sports in a row within a single session—handy for workouts like gym plus cardio, or brick-style training.
6) Color filters added to watch settings
More display customization is now available through additional color filter options.
7) Sleep glance now includes ideal bedtime and wake-time insights
Garmin is adding more guidance to sleep tracking by including suggestions for your ideal sleep schedule.
8) New training plans focused on timed workouts
Beta 16.11 introduces training plans built around timed workouts, including cardio-focused sessions and optional strength workouts.
9) Voice alerts added to watch settings
Voice alerts expand how the watch can communicate key updates during activities or use.
10) Voice alerts support for compatible radar devices
If you use a compatible radar device, alerts can now be delivered via voice for improved awareness while training.
11) Optional watch app to show recent WhatsApp messages
There’s now an option to download a watch app that displays your most recent WhatsApp messages, making it easier to quickly check conversations from your wrist.
With Beta 16.11, Garmin is clearly pushing the Vivoactive 6 toward a more insight-driven experience—more glances, more guided training structure, and more ways to personalize how the watch looks and communicates during workouts. For Vivoactive 6 owners, this beta release is less about maintenance and more about unlocking new everyday features that make the smartwatch feel more capable.
