Garmin has released Beta Version 12.18 for its Instinct E, Instinct 3, and Instinct Crossover smartwatches, introducing bug fixes and feature refinements while the company continues testing ahead of a stable public rollout. The update is part of Garmin’s ongoing v12.xx beta series, following the last stable System Software 10.36 introduced in mid-September.
The latest beta addresses a connectivity issue affecting Garmin’s inReach Remote devices, such as the inReach Messenger Satellite Communicator, ensuring smoother performance for users relying on the system for remote communication. According to Garmin, the update will automatically reach users enrolled in the Beta Program through Garmin Connect Mobile or Garmin Express. “Beta Version 12.18 resolves potential issues with inReach Remote connections,” the company said in its release notes.
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The update also expands health and fitness tracking capabilities across the Instinct lineup. A new Health Status feature provides insights into changes in wellbeing data, while users can now edit custom and proximity alerts via the Garmin Connect app. The beta further includes sensor software updates over BLE, improvements to the Area Calculation app, and multiple bug fixes addressing performance inconsistencies, display issues, and battery drain.
Device-specific enhancements include new watch face data fields for Steps, Pulse Ox, and Recovery Time on Solar and Instinct E variants, along with UI and animation improvements for AMOLED models. The Instinct Crossover gains a new watch face design, additional UI refinements, and fixes for barometer readings and mechanical hand positioning after activities.
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Garmin typically releases multiple beta builds before consolidating them into a stable version. The company has not specified when v12.xx firmware will exit beta testing, but analysts expect a finalized stable release around the holiday season. In the meantime, the new beta continues Garmin’s incremental approach to expanding functionality and refining user experience across its rugged smartwatch portfolio.
Source: Garmin