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Garmin News
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Garmin rolled out Software Version 18.29 to its Forerunner 570 and 970 watches, adding over a.
The update brings hands-free voice control and bug fixes to two of Garmin's priciest.
Background
Garmin introduced Software Version 17.33 for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 in late May 2026, then ran multiple v18.xx builds through public beta testing. Version 18.29 is the resulting stable release, part of a broader Q3 2026 software push that also added fall detection on the Venu 4, new Run Coach plans and indoor XC skiing across current watches and Edge cycling computers. Garmin says 20% of the two watch models should already have a download notification.
How it unfolded
- late May 2026Garmin releases Software Version 17.33 for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970.
- mid-2026Garmin offers multiple v18.xx builds to public beta testers.
- Sep 9, 2026Garmin releases stable Software Version 18.29 with four new features, ten bug fixes, updated translations, improved flashlight behaviour and a refined touch lock — seventeen changes from 17.xx.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Garmin says 20% of Forerunner 570 and 970 watches should already have received a notification to download Software Version 18.29, and users can trigger it manually via Settings, System, Software Update.
- Analysts
- Garmin Rumors frames the release as part of a Q3 2026 update wave that also brings hands-free voice control, fall detection on the Venu 4, new Run Coach plans and indoor XC skiing across current watches and Edge cycling computers.