All the New Features Coming to Garmin Watches in Its Massive Beta Update

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Credit: Beth Skwarecki

Garmin has just announced an absolutely massive feature update via public beta for the Fenix 8, Enduro 3, and Fenix E watches. This adds in all of the newly announced Forerunner 970 running features, the new Venu X1 features, plus a few entirely new to Garmin features as well. This beta release (version 17.11) pulls together features that were previously exclusive to specific device lines and makes them available across their flagship outdoor watch series. Perhaps most surprisingly, the Fenix E—which has struggled to find its market position—is receiving the same treatment as the more expensive Fenix 8 and Enduro 3. Let's take a look at what new features you can start using, depending on your Garmin device of choice.

Features brand new to Garmin devices

The beta update introduces 28 new features, ranging from entirely new applications to advanced training metrics. Several features make their debut across the entire Garmin ecosystem:

Calculator app: A full-featured calculator with tip calculation and bill-splitting functionality

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

Custom focus modes: Long-awaited expansion of the focus modes feature first introduced last summer

Editing for all previous sets in strength training: Enhanced strength training workflow capabilities

Japanese kana keyboard: Expanding language support for international users

Music options to music controls page: Enhanced music playback controls

Support for track/road display transitions: Improved display optimization for different running surfaces

Track run option for daily suggested workouts: Integration of track-specific training into automated workout suggestions

New features from Forerunner 570/970

Some of the advanced running capabilities that made the Forerunner 970 a standout device are now available on the Fenix outdoor watch series:

Running economy support: Advanced metabolic efficiency tracking

Running tolerance support: Recovery and training load management

Step speed loss support: Biomechanical analysis for running efficiency

Evening report support: Comprehensive end-of-day health and training summaries

Expanded morning report support: Enhanced daily readiness insights

Garmin alerts to notification center: Centralized alert management

Multisport workout support: Structured training across multiple disciplines

Running power to lactate threshold page: Power-based threshold analysis

Provisional finish point support: Race strategy and pacing tools

Triathlon adaptive training plan support: AI-driven triathlon training periodization

Triathlon race events support: Comprehensive race day features for triathletes

Features from other Garmin devices

The update also brings capabilities from other recent Garmin releases:

Smart wake alarm (from Vivoactive 6): Intelligent wake timing based on sleep cycles

Additional keyboard layouts and emoji support: Enhanced text input capabilities for Android users

Sport-specific enhancements

If you golf or sail, check these out:

Golf range finder settings menu: Improved golf functionality

Race timer data field for sail race activity: Enhanced sailing competition features

Tack assist data page in sailing activities: Advanced sailing navigation aids

What this means for Garmin users

Notably, about the only missing feature from recent Garmin releases is the "Auto lap" for races with timing gates (where the watch will adjust your mileage as you pass the gate), which came to the Forerunner 570/970 and also the Venu X1. For current Fenix 8, Enduro 3, and Fenix E owners, this update is pretty major. Whether you're a triathlete, elite runner, or just wanted a damn calculator, this update has something 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 remainder of 2025.