Garmin is still getting ready to update its older Forerunner smartwatches with v24.xx software. The first new update for the five smartwatches running Garmin’s beta or stable software programs in more than a month is Beta Version 24.10, which is compatible with the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965.
Garmin has released numerous updates for both its experimental and stable software programs in recent weeks. The business has prioritized its newest high-end models, such as the Fenix 8 and Tactix 8, over lesser models, as is frequently the case. Similar to this, mid-range or older smartwatches appear to have been pushed farther down the priority scale by the recent release of the Forerunner 570, Forerunner 970, and Venu X1.
For instance, since Garmin released System Software 23.20 more than two months ago, the older Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965 (now $599 on Amazon) have not gotten a new stable update. Meanwhile, the same devices have been left running v24.07 on Garmin’s Beta Program for almost a month at this point.
But with the release of Beta Version 24.10, the business has finally updated its Beta Program. The update is available for the Forerunner 165, 255, 265, 955, and 965 starting today. You can also manually download it by going to Settings, System and Software Update, Main menu, and then selecting ‘Check for Updates’ on your smartwatch that is enrolled in the Beta Program. The five smartwatches have comparable changelogs as usual, which include a bug update meant to address possible system crashes on the watch face. For further information, please refer to Garmin’s forum and the listings below.

Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255 & Forerunner 265 changelogs
- Fix a potential crash on the watch face.
- Improve on-device recovery options when PIN unlock attempts are exhausted.
- Fix an issue with event goals not updating on device when edited.
- Fix colour shift not automatically turning on in sleep mode.
- Fix volume control not working when using Control Phone.
- Various bug fixes and improvements.
Forerunner 955 & Forerunner 965 changelogs
- Fix a potential crash on the watch face.
- Improve on-device recovery options when PIN unlock attempts are exhausted.
- Fix an issue with event goals not updating on device when edited.
- Fix an issue with route calculation on China maps.
- Fix color shift not automatically turning on in sleep mode.
- Fix volume control not working when using Control Phone.
- Fix issues with golf AutoShot.
- Various bug fixes and improvements.