Garmin has pushed out a new beta software update for its Instinct 3 smartwatch series, aimed at resolving a system crash issue tied to GPS-enabled activities. The release follows Garmin’s announcement earlier this week that it had concluded beta testing for version 9.20 of the system software.
Despite labeling version 9.20 as the final beta in the v9.xx series for the Instinct 3 lineup—including the AMOLED, Solar, and more affordable Instinct E models—Garmin has now released Beta Version 9.21. The update is being delivered as an over-the-air (OTA) download and is expected to reach testers globally within days.
“Beta Version 9.21 includes a fix for a potential crash during GPS-led activities,” Garmin said in a brief update note. The company has not disclosed further details about the underlying issue.
The patch comes shortly after the company detailed new features in its May 2025 software roadmap, some of which are already included in the previous 9.20 release. Garmin has not confirmed when version 9.21 will roll out to the general public but is likely to do so if no additional issues are identified during the ongoing testing period.
