Garmin has begun rolling out firmware version 20.15 for its Fenix 8 Pro smartwatch series, bringing a mix of new features and bug fixes. The update remains in the beta stage, meaning several functions, including electrocardiogram (ECG) readings and diving or air sports features, are temporarily disabled until the stable version becomes available.
The beta changelog lists 24 improvements. Among them is a new image viewer that allows users to display and zoom received pictures directly on the smartwatch. Garmin also added an activity data field showing LTE connection strength and introduced a separate notification for LTE standby mode.
Messaging functions receive notable upgrades in this release. Users can now reply to incoming messages through Messenger using emojis, while voice messages longer than 30 seconds are supported for the first time. The company said the update also resolves crashes that occurred when users exited the Messenger app.
Garmin commented, “The beta phase is an essential step before a full rollout to ensure stability and compatibility across all devices.” The company emphasized that user feedback during testing helps refine performance ahead of the public release.
With firmware 20.15, Garmin continues to expand the functionality of its premium smartwatch line, focusing on communication features and reliability. A stable version of the update is expected to follow once testing is complete and key functions are re-enabled.
Source: Garmin