Garmin has delivered new firmware for older smartwatches, including the Fenix 7 and smaller Fenix 7S. The second v25.xx update released to date, Beta Version 25.08 introduces several new improvements to Garmin’s older high-end smartwatches with several aimed at improving the maps app experience.
Almost a month has passed since Garmin last furnished the Fenix 7 and its peers with an update in any capacity. After refreshing the Venu X1 with a new colour variant earlier this week (curr. $699 on Amazon), the company has returned to Fenix 7 software development with the release of Beta Version 25.08.
For context, the new firmware replaces Beta Version 25.03. An update that introduced over a dozen improvements, Beta Version 25.03 was also the first v25.xx build that Garmin shared publicly. While Beta Version 25.08 is only the second build of its kind, it makes far fewer changes than its predecessor. According to Garmin, its new Fenix 7 beta fixes three outstanding issues, including one that caused a UI issue on the map app when previewing course navigations.
In a forum post, the company adds that Beta Version 25.08 should address a second map app-related bug where a Fenix 7 could shut down when downloading maps. Moreover, the same update will resolve a separate issue that resulted in some data fields not being drawn on certain watch faces. Beta Version 25.08 keeps ECG functionality disabled, meaning that more beta builds are planned before v25.xx development transitions to Garmin’s stable software branch.
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Alex Alderson – Senior Tech Writer – 13982 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018
Prior to writing and translating for Notebookcheck, I worked for various companies including Apple and Neowin. I have a BA in International History and Politics from the University of Leeds, which I have since converted to a Law Degree. Happy to chat on Twitter or Notebookchat.
Alex Alderson, 2026-01-10 (Update: 2026-01-10)
