Just when everything seemed to be running smoothly on your Garmin Forerunner 970 — or its leaner sibling, the Forerunner 570 — Garmin drops a surprise software update.
But this isn’t one of those flashy feature-packed rollouts. Version 6.18 is a classic hotfix — small, subtle, and super important if you’ve ever dealt with annoying screen glitches.
Garmin quietly rolled this one out across both models and yes, I updated both my 970 and 570 first thing this morning — because I just had to know if it made a difference.
Let’s dig into what’s new and whether it’s worth your time.
What’s in Version 6.18?
Just one thing. One very specific but very useful thing:
“Reduces the occurrence of false screen touches.”
That’s the entire changelog. Sounds small, right? But if you’ve ever had your Forerunner randomly switch screens, pause workouts, or tap buttons you didn’t press, you know this isn’t minor — it’s a quiet fix with major real-world impact.
It’s rolling out for both:
- Garmin Forerunner 970
- Garmin Forerunner 570
How to Update:
Go to Menu > System > Software Update > Check for Updates
(Connect your watch to Wi-Fi before checking.)
Why This Fix Actually Matters
If you’re like me, you’ve probably experienced it: you’re running, totally in the zone, and suddenly your watch jumps to another screen… or even worse, pauses your workout. All because of a sweaty wrist, a brush against your shirt, or just… nothing.
This was especially frustrating on the Forerunner 570, which has a slightly more compact design. Smaller bezels mean more accidental touches — especially if you have bigger fingers or wear it during strength training.
With this update, Garmin is tackling those “ghost touch” issues head-on. It might not affect everyone, but for those it does? Game-changer.
My Experience: 970 vs. 570 After the Update
I updated both watches this morning and wore the Forerunner 970 on a quick run and the 570 during a gym session.
Here’s what I noticed:
- Forerunner 970: The screen felt a bit less “jumpy.” It still responded perfectly to my taps but didn’t get confused by wrist movement like it sometimes used to.
- Forerunner 570: This one showed the biggest improvement. During overhead presses and stretches, the screen stayed put — no phantom taps, no accidental switches. That’s new.
It’s not a dramatic difference, but it’s a noticeable one — especially if false touches have bothered you in the past.
Should You Update?
Yes, absolutely. Whether you use the 970 or 570, this update is worth it.
There are:
- No known bugs introduced
- No lost features
- Just a smoother, more predictable experience
And because it’s a stable release (not a beta), you don’t have to worry about losing ECG functionality or dealing with test firmware. Just install and enjoy.
Final Thoughts: Small Fix, Big Win
Look — we all love new widgets and features, but sometimes it’s these quiet updates that make your daily experience better. Version 6.18 is a perfect example. It shows Garmin is still listening, still tweaking, and still improving even after launch.
Whether you’re running marathons with the 970 or cross-training with the 570, this update helps your watch become a more reliable workout buddy.
Quick Recap:
- 🔧 Fixes phantom screen touches on both Forerunner 970 & 570
- ⏱ Quick and easy to install
- 💡 Helps avoid screen skips, workout pauses, and app misfires
- 💯 Totally worth doing
Over to You
Have you updated your Forerunner 970 or 570 to version 6.18? Noticed anything different? I’d love to hear about your experience — drop a comment below or shoot me a message.
And if this post helped, consider subscribing to our email list or sharing it with someone else who wears a Garmin daily. Smart fixes like this deserve a little love.
Also See:- Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE v17.40 Update: Reliability Fixes
