Fenix 7 Series - software version 8.18 - Release Candidate

Hello Fēnix 7 and Epix customers,

The next public beta version is now available for your watches!

This update, v8.18, is a Release Candidate. "Release Candidate" means that this exact software version is planned to “go Live” as a public update as long as no critical issues are observed. All copies of version 8.18 will be identical, so there are no differences in functionality whether you install version 8.18 as a Public Release Candidate or wait for the update to be a Live public update.

If you’ve participated in the Beta Program with previous Fēnix product lines, you’ll notice a few changes from how we have managed this in the past. And further down the line, we’ll have some additional improvements to the Beta Program (more on that later!) Notably, the fēnix 7/Epix watches use one single update file to update system software and peripheral updates (GPS version, Wireless version, etc.) So you no longer need to install multiple update files. Additionally, this forum post is now the primary resource for reading the change log notes – they are not available on another webpage. (There will be more options for viewing change logs after we implement the additional improvements to our beta program.)

The links to download the software update are listed below. Select the link specific to your watch model: fēnix 7X, fēnix 7, or fēnix 7S. Please note that your computer will download a .zip file when you open this link.

This zip contains the software update and instructions for installation in the 'Read Me.txt' file. We have also provided a folder with the files necessary for backdating software, and instructions for this process if you choose to do so. Remember, backdating software will reset all settings.
Please note: the included secure_config.gcd file should also be installed to your watch. This file will enable a few "beta features." For example, it will provide you with the option to reboot your watch (turn off and automatically turn back on). It will also automatically generate some files if you encounter certain issues. In short, if you are using beta software, you should also always have this file installed: it will make your use of the watch easier, and make it easier for you to report issues in software.
Please email the Garmin Outdoor Quality Team if you find issues in software after installing this update: [email protected]

Use these links to download the zip for your watch to update to the latest Beta software:

Change log for version 8.18 (changes since v8.16):

Added prompt when accessing PulseOx glance when wrist heart rate is turned off.
Fix potential freeze when sending an InReach message.
Fixed potential shutdown when navigating a round trip course.
Fixed a potential shutdown when editing wind in Jumpmaster.
Fixed UI flow issue in Jumpmaster when altimeter calibration is set to "Nightly."
Fixed erroneous InReach searching after completing a Health Snapshot and having previously paired an InReach device.
Fixed some minor watch face UI issues.
Fixed issue where pace and heart rate audio prompts were only giving averages.

Instructions for updating software:

Download the .zip specific to your watch, using the links above.
Connect the watch to your computer.
Following the included 'Read Me.txt' file, install the included gupdate.gsp file to the Primary\Garmin folder on your watch.
Disconnect the watch from the computer and it will prompt you to update software.

After updating, your watch will be running the following software versions. These can be confirmed on the Menu – System – About pages.

Primary Software Version: 8.18
- This is the number on the very first About page. This number should always match the “Host” version number written on the 5^th About page.
GPS: 2.32
Wireless: 24.61
Sensor Hub: 18.02
Touch Screen: 3.02

Thanks,
Mel
Garmin Outdoor Quality Team

Top Replies

MULK over 2 years ago +21

Why can't Garmin bring back My Day widget same as was in Fenix 6 series watches? I need to have 3 widgets installed instead of 1 and it's not that convinient.
Klick over 2 years ago in reply to watcher123456 +12

that's serisously fun. I'm an ultra runner, and spend at least 12 hours a week outside, following tracks on the watch. Seriously, who would hold a phone while running, and check each 50meters if still…
Dr Phil over 2 years ago in reply to watcher123456 +10

watcher123456 said:
You also didnt list a SINGLE reason why you believe maps are critical to you.

We all use these watches in different ways. Why should anyone have to justify their use to anyone else?
…

All Replies

0 Dr Phil over 2 years ago in reply to watcher123456

watcher123456 said:
You also didnt list a SINGLE reason why you believe maps are critical to you.

We all use these watches in different ways. Why should anyone have to justify their use to anyone else?

0 NYanakiev7 over 2 years ago in reply to watcher123456

What a funny comment. Isn't it kind of obvious?

No need for internet reception to navigate, no need to worry about battery, perfect for round-trip course generation when somewhere new without having to carry my iPhone 13 Pro Max around.

I can keep going but you, hopefully, get the idea.

0 Abraham over 2 years ago in reply to NYanakiev7

Well said! Love the round trip course, that's why I chose the epix over the venu.

0 Klick over 2 years ago in reply to watcher123456

that's serisously fun. I'm an ultra runner, and spend at least 12 hours a week outside, following tracks on the watch. Seriously, who would hold a phone while running, and check each 50meters if still on the track ?

There is absolutely nothing on the world that you make me use a phone, the watch is much more relevant, the size of the screen does not matter, I see where to go next, and can zoom on occasionnal time if I want to take a shortcut, or add a new target, etc, the touch made this so much better than before...

with that said, I do not care for : sleep/body battery , and it's clearly what is making the much noise on the forum, so various users, various usages, but really... maps on a fenix, are critical for outdoors players, that spend a big chunk of their life outside, in unknown areas.

0 WhatSteveDid over 2 years ago

For everyone still experiencing bugs, can I confirm that you're logging the issue with the beta team by emailing details to [email protected] ? I've had far more success with getting a bug resolved than when I've posted on here.

0 KevinJames over 2 years ago in reply to WhatSteveDid

Hi. Yes, just reported one. Watched rebooted when trying to plot a course to a point of interest. GPS lock had not been fully acquired which may, or may not, be relevant.

0 Clatecnofilo over 2 years ago in reply to KevinJames

For curiosity, how did you create the course? Did you use GCM, Explore or another application?

0 KevinJames over 2 years ago in reply to Clatecnofilo

None of these. It was calculating it directly on the watch.

0 Clatecnofilo over 2 years ago in reply to KevinJames

Ok, I have a problem with "up ahead" screen for courses created in Garmin Explore whereby my watch was rebooting if I navigate to that screen and I was wondering if I had found another person with the same issue. This is like searching for life in another planet.

We need those issues fix for mapping as in my opinion maps is the essence of the watch

0 Weissemuller over 2 years ago

Hi! Fenix 7 less than 2 weeks old. Last night I installed firmware 8.18. I played with the widgets, opened IQ store on the watch and peacefully fell asleep. The battery charge was 80%. After waking up 8 hrs later I realized that there was only 5% of the charge left. I am assuming one of the processes was running in the background the whole night. Most likely IQ Store. I restarted the watch and everything looks OK. I wonder if it’s a known problem or something new. Thank you.