All the New Features Coming to Garmin Watches in a Major Beta Update

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Garmin has just announced an absolutely massive feature update via public beta for the Fenix ​​8 , Enduro 3 , and Fenix ​​E watches. It adds all of the recently announced Forerunner 970 running features, new features to the Venu X1 , and some brand new features to Garmin. This beta release (version 17.11) brings together features that were previously exclusive to certain device lines and makes them available across their entire flagship series of outdoor watches. Perhaps most surprisingly, the Fenix ​​E, which has struggled to find its footing in the market, is getting the same treatment as the more expensive Fenix ​​8 and Enduro 3. Let’s take a look at which new features you can start using depending on your Garmin device of choice.

Completely new capabilities of Garmin devices

The beta update introduces 28 new features, ranging from brand new apps to expanded training metrics. Several features are making their debut across the Garmin ecosystem:

  • Calculator App : A fully functional calculator with tip calculation and bill splitting features.

  • Ability to access the app list by swiping left on the watch face : A new navigation method for faster access to apps

  • Custom Focus Modes : A long-awaited expansion of the Focus Modes feature first introduced last summer.

  • Editing All Previous Sets in Strength Workouts : Advanced Strength Workout Workflow

  • Japanese Kana Keyboard : Expanding Language Support for International Users

  • Music options on the music management page : Improved music playback controls

  • Track/Road Display Transition Support : Improved display optimization for different running surfaces.

  • Option to select track running for daily recommended workouts : Integrate track-based workouts into automated training recommendations

New Features of Forerunner 570/970

Some of the advanced running features that made the Forerunner 970 a standout are now available in the Fenix ​​series of outdoor watches:

  • Running Economy Support : Advanced Metabolic Efficiency Tracking

  • Supporting Running Tolerance : Managing Recovery and Training Load

  • Support for loss of stride velocity : a biomechanical analysis of running efficiency

  • Evening report support : detailed health and training summaries at the end of the day

  • Enhanced Morning Reporting Support : Improved Daily Readiness Analytics

  • Garmin Alerts in Notification Center : Manage your alerts in one place

  • Multidisciplinary training support : structured training across multiple disciplines

  • Power for Lactate Threshold Page : Power Based Threshold Analysis

  • Pre-Finish Point Support : Race Strategy and Pace Setting Tools

  • Adaptive Triathlon Training Plan Support : AI-powered triathlon training periodization

  • Triathlon Event Support : Complete Race Day Opportunities for Triathletes

Features of other Garmin devices

The update also includes features from other recent Garmin versions:

What do you think at the moment?

  • Smart Alarm (by Vivoactive 6 ): Intelligent wake-up time based on sleep cycles

  • Additional keyboard layouts and emoji support : enhanced typing options for Android users

Sport-specific improvements

If you play golf or sail, consider the following:

  • Golf Rangefinder Settings Menu : Improved Golf Functionality

  • Race Timer Data Field for Sailing Races : Advanced Sailing Events

  • Tack Aid Data Page for Sailing : Advanced Navigation Aids for Sailing

What does this mean for Garmin users?

Notably, the only feature missing from Garmin’s latest releases is “ Auto lap” for timing gate races (where the watch will adjust your run as you pass a gate), which appeared on the Forerunner 570/970 , as well as the Venu X1. For current Fenix ​​8, Enduro 3, and Fenix ​​E owners, this update is pretty big. Whether you’re a triathlete, an elite runner, or just want a damn calculator, there’s something in this update for you. The beta is available now for users enrolled in Garmin’s public beta program , with a stable release expected in the coming weeks. As Garmin continues to refine and expand these capabilities, we can expect additional features and improvements to roll out throughout the rest of 2025.

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