Garmin Fenix 8 Beta v17.12 Update: Wild New Updates Dropped!

Garmin Just Dropped Fenix 8 Beta v17.12 Update – Here’s What’s New (and Worth Noticing)

Garmin has released Beta Version 17.12 for the Fenix 8 Series, including the Fenix 8 AMOLED, Fenix 8 Solar, Enduro 3, Fenix E, and Tactix 8.

While it may not be a headline-grabber, this update brings thoughtful upgrades and bug fixes that show Garmin is genuinely listening to its users.

If you’re a Fenix user, here’s what’s new—and more importantly, why it matters.

What’s New in Beta v17.12?

Here’s the good stuff Garmin added in this update:

1. Focus Mode Power Controls

This one’s pretty neat—it lets you customize how your watch uses power based on what you’re doing. Want to stretch battery life on a long hike or race? This helps you do that without juggling settings.

2. Rest Countdown for Strength Workouts

If you’ve been timing your rests manually at the gym (or just guessing), this small update makes a big difference. Now, you get a proper countdown between sets—finally!

3. Resting Heart Rate Insight

More than just a number, this gives you context around how your heart rate is trending, which is awesome for tracking stress, sleep recovery, or training load.

4. Temperature Sensor Page

Now you can check ambient temperature in a clean, dedicated view. For outdoor adventurers or even casual hikers, that’s a nice touch.

Bug Fixes (Yes, Those Annoying Glitches Got Squashed)

• Garmin Coach Glance now shows your second workout as it should.
• Goal alerts won’t trigger too early anymore.
• The music volume page now updates like it’s supposed to (goodbye, random freezes).
• The sluggish feeling after saving an activity? Gone.
• A text formatting issue on the Double Time watch face is fixed.
• Random wind direction flipping with LRF? Also fixed.
• If you’re on an MIP display, the Evening Report page now greets you smoothly.

How do I get Garmin Fenix 8 Beta v17.12?

You can grab this update straight from your watch:

Menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates

📌 Heads up: Since this is beta software, a couple of features like ECG and Dive Mode are temporarily disabled. Don’t worry—they’ll be back in the public release.

Real Talk: Is It Worth Updating?

I love checking out beta features early (even if it means bumping into the occasional bug). This one’s a no-brainer for me because it’s not just fixing stuff—it’s adding value, especially if you’re into strength training or tracking recovery closely.

That said, if you rely on ECG or dive features daily, you might want to wait for the stable release. Garmin doesn’t usually take too long to move beta updates to public rollout.

My Take

What I appreciate about this update is how user-focused it feels. Garmin’s paying attention to the small things—those minor annoyances or missing pieces that start to matter the more you use the watch.

And honestly? That’s what makes a great update—not just adding flash, but making the experience smoother, more thoughtful, and easier for real people.

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Also Read:-

• Garmin Vivoactive 6 Beta 12.50: New Features & How to Get It.
• Garmin Instinct 3 Gets Beta Update 9.18 – Here’s What’s New!
• Garmin Fenix 8 Beta 17.11: Smart Update Insights.