Garmin has released beta update v20.13 for its premium smartwatches, including the Fenix 8, Enduro 3, Tactix 8, and Fenix E. However, Fenix 8 Pro owners are notably excluded from this update cycle.
Extensive Beta Program Activity
Garmin has been actively updating the Fenix 8 series with over 50 tweaks and improvements through v20.xx releases in the past month. Users enrolled in the Beta Program can expect over-the-air (OTA) updates, which Garmin rolls out in waves starting with approximately 20% of participants. Users can manually check for updates under System > Software Update.
| Compatible Models | v20.13 Support |
|---|---|
| Fenix 8 (non-Pro) | ✓ |
| Enduro 3 | ✓ |
| Tactix 8 | ✓ |
| Fenix E | ✓ |
| Fenix 8 Pro | ✗ |
Eight Key Bug Fixes
Beta Version 20.13 addresses eight significant bugs, bringing the total v20.xx fixes to over 60. Key improvements include:
- Auto Triggered Settings: Fixed restoration issues after backup and restore
- Swimming Alerts: Resolved storm alert displays during swim activities
- Flashlight Strobe: Fixed continuous strobing after pausing activities
- Map Downloads: Corrected black screen issue in Outdoor Maps Plus menu
- Activity Focus: Prevented crashes when editing display settings
- InReach Widget: Fixed automatic addition after device pairing
- Touchscreen Management: Resolved screen-on issue during multisport swim activities
- Voice Alerts: Corrected frequency settings functionality
Note: This update is exclusively for non-Pro models. The reason for Fenix 8 Pro’s exclusion remains unclear, though Garmin may be preparing device-specific updates or addressing Pro-specific issues separately.
Looking Ahead
With Beta Version 20.13 deployed, Garmin moves closer to a new stable release. The extensive beta testing process demonstrates Garmin’s commitment to refining the smartwatch experience before official rollouts. Users can monitor beta updates through Garmin’s official forums and follow announcements on their newsroom.
Fenix 8 Pro owners should expect future beta inclusion, as temporary exclusions are common during phased rollout strategies. For more information on wearable technology developments, users can reference technology news sources covering Garmin’s product updates.
