If you’re anything like me, your Garmin Forerunner 965 is more than just a fancy watch—it’s your running buddy, your adventure planner, your health tracker, and, occasionally, your therapist when you’re three miles into a run and asking life’s big questions. 😅
So when Garmin rolled out software version 24.12 this week, I was curious. At first glance, the update looked like a typical bug-fix list.
Nothing major. No shiny new features. But after installing it and using it for a couple of days, I realized this update is a quiet game-changer.
Let me walk you through what’s new, how it impacted my daily use, and why I think it’s one of those updates that makes you appreciate the gear you’ve invested in.
First Things First: How to Get the Update
If you haven’t seen the update yet on your watch, here’s how I did it:
Menu > System > Software Update > Check for Updates
Mine took just a few minutes to download and install. No hiccups, which is always a good start.
What’s in the Garmin Forerunner 965 Update
Here’s the official list of what Garmin fixed or improved in version 24.12. After that, I’ll share what stood out the most to me in actual, everyday use:
- Better PIN unlock recovery if you mess it up too many times
- Fixed crashing when loading tons of maps
- Solved an issue with the inReach remote during activities
- Fixed watchface crashes
- Made event goal edits actually update on the watch
- Improved golf AutoShot
- Fixed round-trip routing recalculations when going off-course
- Breathing variation data now displays
- Fixed loading a workout and course at the same time
- Fixed issues with long activity charts
- Altimeter now recalibrates properly in Backcountry Ski mode
- Stopped the wrist-down gesture from booting me back to the watchface mid-glance
- EasyCard image now appears correctly
- Route fixes for China maps
- Other minor bug fixes and behind-the-scenes improvements
What Actually Made a Difference for Me
That PIN Recovery Fix? A Lifesaver
I’ve fat-fingered my PIN more times than I’d like to admit—especially post-run when I’m sweaty and in a rush. Before, getting locked out felt like punishment.
Now, Garmin’s made the recovery process easier and less frustrating.
I haven’t tested it intentionally, but just knowing it’s there gives me peace of mind.
No More Panic with Loaded Maps
I use my Forerunner 965 a lot for trail running and backcountry hikes, and I preload a ton of maps.
Before this update, my watch lagged—and once, it even froze—when I had too many regions stored. That issue’s fixed now.
I loaded up all my usual routes and had zero slowdowns during a 7-mile trail run this weekend.
inReach Remote Finally Behaves
If you’ve ever used an inReach paired with your watch mid-activity, you might’ve noticed how flaky it used to be.
I couldn’t get to menus when I needed them—super annoying, and honestly kind of dangerous if I were ever in a real emergency. That’s fixed.
I tested it while hiking Sunday and could access the menu quickly, no lag.
Breathing & Sleep Data Is Back
I use breathing variations and sleep stats to help me track recovery. For a while, the breathing data was MIA.
This update fixed that, and I’m back to getting those insights each morning. If you’re someone who uses Garmin’s health metrics to guide your training or just your rest days, this one’s a quiet win.
That Wrist Gesture Bug? Gone.
This one bugged me way more than it should have: I’d be flipping through my glance list, and the screen would jump back to the watch face every time I lowered my wrist. Annoying, especially when I was mid-scroll.
Garmin finally fixed it, and it’s made my whole interaction with the watch feel smoother.
What I Didn’t Notice (But Still Appreciate)
I don’t play golf, and I haven’t hit the slopes yet this season, so I can’t speak firsthand to the golf AutoShot or the backcountry ski altimeter fixes.
But I love knowing Garmin’s putting care into those niche features.
One of the reasons I went with the Forerunner 965 is because it supports so many different lifestyles—and this update shows they’re keeping every user in mind.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Updating?
Absolutely.
Look, I’m not gonna pretend this is the most exciting update Garmin’s ever released. There’s no new widget, no major redesign. But honestly? I’d take this kind of update any day.
Because what it does bring is stability, reliability, and a better day-to-day experience. It’s the kind of maintenance that shows Garmin still cares about the people who bought this watch—long after the marketing buzz died down.
If you rely on your Forerunner 965 the way I do, go ahead and check for the update. You probably won’t notice everything right away, and that’s the point.
Sometimes the best tech updates are the ones you don’t even think about—because everything just works.
Over to You
Have you installed the 24.12 update yet? Noticed anything different—or better? Drop a comment and let me know how it’s been for you.
I’m always curious how these kinds of updates play out for different people, especially across all the wild ways we use our watches.
Stay strong, stay curious, and keep chasing those miles.
Also See:-
- Garmin Forerunner 965 vs 570: Which Should You Buy?
- MIP vs AMOLED: Forerunner 255 & 955 Compared to 265 & 965.
- Garmin Forerunner 965 vs. Epix (Gen 2): Which to Buy?.
- Garmin Forerunner 965 Battery Draining Fast? Find Out the Secret Fixes That Work!
- How to Reset Garmin Forerunner 965: A Step-by-Step Guide
