Garmin has issued an unexpected software update for one of its older Forerunner smartwatches, making it available exclusively to users enrolled in the company’s Beta Program. The release, labelled Beta Version 27.03, is currently restricted to the Forerunner 165 and must be installed manually via the device’s system settings.
The selective rollout stands out because the Forerunner 165 is typically updated alongside newer counterparts, including the Forerunner 255, 265, 955 and 965. Garmin has not provided an explanation for why the update targets only a single model. Analysts following the company’s software cycle say the move may reflect an early-stage release intended to test performance on a smaller scale before broader deployment.
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Garmin stated that the update includes bug fixes and stability improvements but did not specify which issues have been addressed. The original posting describes Beta Version 27.03 as containing “various bug fixes,” although no details have been released about problem areas or performance metrics. The lack of a published changelog leaves users unclear about the purpose and impact of the build.
The company has also not confirmed whether the update is intended to expand to the rest of the current Forerunner lineup, nor has it provided a timeline for potential availability. The Forerunner 165 remains one of Garmin’s more affordable models in the running-focused series, retailing around US$199.
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For now, the update appears to be part of a limited distribution effort without broader communication. Garmin directed users seeking additional information to its Beta Program forum post, but no further clarification has been issued.
Source: Garmin