If you’re rocking a Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED, Instinct 3 Solar, or Instinct E, there’s a new beta update—Version 10.15—that just dropped.
And while it might not look like a massive change at first glance, it’s packed with little improvements that can make a big difference in how your watch works for you.
So let’s break it down—not just what changed, but why it might matter in your day-to-day.
The Little Things That Make Life Easier
Garmin’s known for rugged, reliable watches, but no tech is perfect. That’s where beta updates come in—they fine-tune the details that often go unnoticed until they suddenly make your life easier.
Interval Alerts in Timers (All Non-Tactical Models)
Ever wish your timer could nudge you midway through a workout or a stretch session? Now it can.
You’ll get alerts at intervals you set, which is especially handy when you’re doing timed reps or pacing yourself through training circuits.
Why it’s cool: No more watching the clock. Set it, go do your thing, and let your watch handle the reminders.
Quiet Fixes That Just… Work Better Now
This update also cleaned up a few bugs:
- Power Modes menu acting weird in Garmin Connect? Fixed.
- Area calculation giving off numbers that don’t make sense? Also fixed.
These aren’t flashy fixes, but they’re the kind that make your watch feel solid and trustworthy again, like it’s doing its job without getting in the way.
DogTrack Distance Fix (Solar & Instinct E Only)
If you use Garmin’s Dog Track feature, you probably noticed it wasn’t showing distances beyond a mile. That’s now fixed.
For pet lovers: Whether you’re tracking a hunting dog or just making sure your pup stays safe on the trail, accurate distance tracking is a must. This one’s for peace of mind.
Jump Rope Rep Alerts (Solar & AMOLED Only)
Yes, jump rope is a real workout—and it’s getting the love it deserves. Rep alerts are now part of that activity, so you’ll know exactly where you’re at without having to count in your head (or lose track mid-jump).
Why it matters: More accurate feedback = better workouts. And it shows Garmin’s paying attention to how real people train, not just traditional gym routines.
Solar Charging Gets More Transparent (Solar Only)
You can now see solar intensity and solar accumulation in real time. So instead of wondering if that sunlight is doing anything, you’ll know for sure.
Perfect for: Hikers, campers, or anyone off the grid who wants to see if they’re soaking up enough sun to power through the next leg of the journey.
AMOLED Fixes That Clean Things Up
For those with the Instinct 3 AMOLED, this update fixes:
- A flashlight delay occurs when using custom watch faces
- Missing weather info if you use large fonts
- Issues with the music screen acting up
These are small, but if you’ve run into them, you definitely noticed. This is Garmin smoothing out the experience—less frustration, more flow.
How to Get Garmin Instinct 3 Beta Update 10.15
Ready to install? You can do it right on your watch:
Main Menu → Settings → System → Software Update → Check for Updates
Boom. Easy.
Want to Help Test Garmin’s Next Features?
If you’re the curious, early-adopter type—or just like having a say in how things evolve—you can sign up for Garmin’s beta program and try future updates before they go live.
Here’s how:
- Log in to Garmin Connect on your computer
- Click the watch icon in the top right
- Choose your device
- Hit “Join Beta Software Program.”
- Accept the terms, and you’re in
Heads-up: Beta software can sometimes be a little buggy, but that’s part of the process. Your feedback helps Garmin fine-tune things for the rest of the community.
Final Thoughts: is Beta Update 10.15 Feel Good
Let’s be honest: Not every update has to be a game-changer. Sometimes, it’s the subtle fixes—the ones that make your dog tracker accurate again or your workout timer smarter—that have the biggest impact.
What Garmin’s doing here is showing they listen. They’re paying attention to the quirks and the features that matter when you’re out hiking, training, or living life in between. And that’s the kind of tech partnership that feels personal.
Have you tried the update?
Notice a difference? Have thoughts on what Garmin should improve next? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear how it’s working out for you.
Because in the end, this isn’t just about software—it’s about making your watch work better for you.
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3 Comments
For the Instinct 3 Tactical Armoled, the ability to display the barometric pressure on the default watch face is missing. Just about every other data field exists, but NOT Barometric Pressure with a Trend indicator.
How could Garmin miss this on a Tactical Watch? Can they please add this data field?
Living at Altitude in Boulder, Colorado, and hiking, it would be nice to glance at the barometric pressure to ensure there isn’t incoming weather.
If you change the default Heart Rate data field on the default watch face of the Instinct 3 Tactical, you cannot get it back. The Heart Rate field disappears and is not available for redisplay in any field on the watch face. It just does not exist as an option.
Please fix.
I do not see any fix mentioned for crashed during activities