Garmin Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965 smartwatch users have reported a new Beta update, version 18.12. The company has yet to officially announce the new software or provide a full changelog. The main change is the addition of the Garmin Sleep Coach, though this is only available in English for now.
The Sleep Coach tool, powered by Firstbeat Analytics, provides insights on how much sleep you need based on factors like age, activity, previous sleep, naps and HRV data. Garmin Forum users have suggested other possible improvements with software v18.12, including minor tweaks to widgets, such as a clock icon in the time zone widget and a touchscreen enhancement. Another Forerunner 965 owner has shared a breakdown of accompanying firmware updates, showing GPS upgraded from version 7.99 to 9.03, Wi-Fi from 28.05 to 28.09 and Sensor Hub from 27.18 to 28.10; precisely what improvements these provide remains to be seen. One issue with the software appears to be the removal of the ClimbPro tool for the Hiking activity.
The previous beta update, version 17.26, rolled out about a month ago and appears to be the last iteration in the 17.xx cycle for the wearable, which brought new features like images embedded in smart notifications, naps and additional body battery functionality. Garmin Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965 users enrolled in the Beta Program must manually check for updates in Settings on their watch to get this latest update. When Garmin will officially acknowledge Beta update version 18.12 is unclear.
I’ve been interested in technology for as long as I can remember. From a young age, I have loved gadgets and understanding how things work. Since graduating, I have worked for several technology companies across FinTech, AdTech and Robotics.
Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.