Garmin rolls out Beta Version 24.12 with major fixes and improvements for premium smartwatches
Garmin has released a significant new software update for several of its high-end smartwatches, giving beta users access to a long list of fixes, refinements, and performance improvements. The update, labeled Beta Version 24.12, marks the beginning of Garmin’s new v24.xx firmware cycle and brings dozens of changes compared with the current stable software.
The update is available for eligible models in Garmin’s premium smartwatch lineup, including devices in the Fenix 8 family and Tactix 8 series. While Garmin recently pushed System Software 23.40 to some non-Pro models, the Fenix 8 Pro and Tactix 8 Pro have remained on System Software 23.39 for now. Beta Version 24.12 moves participating devices into the next major testing phase.
Unlike some automatic rollouts, this Garmin smartwatch update must be installed manually. Users enrolled in Garmin’s Beta Program need to open the main menu on their watch, go to Settings, then System, then Software Update, and select Check for Updates. The update will not simply appear on its own unless the user requests it through this menu.
According to Garmin, Beta Version 24.12 includes 45 total changes compared with System Software 23.39 and 23.40. Most of the update focuses on bug fixes, with 37 fixes covering crashes, audio prompts, activity tracking, Bluetooth behavior, LTE indicators, maps, notifications, watch faces, workouts, and more.
One of the more noticeable improvements is faster place of interest search results, which should make map and navigation features feel more responsive. Garmin has also added clearer instructions for putting HRM 200 and HRM 600 accessories into pairing mode, making it easier for users to connect compatible heart rate monitors.
The update also changes the way “Change Sport” works by showing favorite activities first and adding a More option for additional activity types. Garmin has adjusted the Pulse Ox app as well, so it only blocks vibrations while a reading is actively being taken.
A large portion of Beta Version 24.12 is aimed at improving overall stability. Garmin says the update fixes a reboot issue that could happen while processing Garmin Explore data, a crash that could occur when using Connect IQ watch faces, and a restart problem that could happen when beginning a GPS activity with Bluetooth headphones connected. It also addresses a boot loop on the watch face and a reboot that could occur while answering a phone call directly on the watch.
Several audio and notification problems have been corrected too. The update fixes audio prompts and voice alerts stopping during activities, missing audio for swim and rowing stroke-rate alerts, unreliable notification delivery, and an issue where alert volume could unmute itself after silent mode was enabled. It also fixes missing Find My Device alerts during repeated searches and resolves an issue that prevented spectator message actions from opening.
Fitness and health tracking also receive attention in this beta release. Garmin has fixed problems with floors climbed not being counted during activities, Health Snapshot freezing on the first prompt, ClimbPro average grade display errors, and missing decimal detail in the max depth data field. The update also resolves an issue where Breathwork Live Activity instructions could appear blank.
For users who rely on calendars and workouts, Beta Version 24.12 fixes several frustrating bugs. It corrects an issue that could leave Calendar Glance empty or prevent workouts from starting, fixes slow Calendar Glance loading when Garmin Coach workouts are present, and resolves a problem where the calendar app showed too many workouts.
Navigation and mapping improvements are also included. Garmin has fixed an issue where some roads appeared as thick black lines, corrected popular bicycle course loading on maps in China, and adjusted course turn guidance so full-page turn prompts only appear when the user is not viewing the map page. The virtual partner screen should now display correctly when racing against a downloaded activity.
The update also includes fixes for music controls, Bluetooth headset volume control, weather data, LTE signal strength, tide data, stock list rearranging, and Stealth Mode behavior. Garmin Pay is now prevented from being used through a shortcut or hotkey while Stealth Mode is active.
Other fixes include resolving battery drain that could happen while using Alipay, correcting a bad EasyCard icon, fixing list behavior when entering Pinyin, addressing excessive DGNSS asserts after GPS acquisition, and stopping the watch from vibrating in recovery mode. The update also refreshes the swim module.
Overall, Garmin Beta Version 24.12 appears to be a substantial maintenance update for the company’s flagship smartwatch users. While it does not introduce a major redesign, the large number of fixes should make supported Garmin watches more stable, responsive, and reliable across daily use, workouts, maps, calls, music, and connected features.
As with any beta software, users should keep in mind that this release is still intended for testing. Those who prefer the most stable experience may want to wait for the final public firmware release, while users comfortable with beta updates can install it now through the watch’s software update menu.
