Why do people update to newer firmware, what is the benefit?

It seems no benefits

v18 was bugged.. v19 is bugged.

Worst, bugs discovered in v18 are not fixed in v19.

I'm still using v17.28

In my case, I apply the “if it ain't broke, don't fix it” philosophy.

That is: If my watch is working well and the new fw does not offer any new major functionality, I do not update the software. I update it only when I got an issue, to check whether it’s a fw-related problem. That’s just my personal approach. 

Regarding fw 19.34, it seems it fixes a problem of F7 not recording pool swimming distance, which happened to me once. But it happened only once (about 2 months ago) and I got no recent issues with pool swimming, No other issue on my F7pro SS at the present, therefore I do not update the fw yet.

Every time I reached out to support to report a software issue, they pushed me very hard to upgrade to the latest firmware. Without they wouldn't even report the issue to the development team. Not that that helped to get any of issues fixed. 

I am new to Garmin, so I can't talk about previous fw's and would like to know what was the last “good” version that didn't have any problems. I am on version 19.34 now and have not experienced any major problems in a month or so w/ 18.16 or at least issues that prevent me to use the watch... my previous brands were not immune to regressions or similar anyway!

I always look at the changelists, never update ‘just because’ and follow if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

The last useful firmware update (for me) delivered accidental lap deletion which was 3 or 4 firnwares ago.

Mapping which used to be a core competency has degraded since 17.28

Hi, for me two priorities

• Maps and guidance
  • i love the voice prompt for turn prompt using my smartphone and was introduce and improved (even if some bugs always here)
  • new Map Controls with 19.xx is very good improvement to simplify map manipulation during hike/trail
  • ok i'm not fan regarding remove of Map Theme option and some other changes, but most of the addition and improvement in this area are welcome for me.

• I'm a geek, and i love to test new features, and try to reproduce issue to help improving the experience
  • nothing relevant to standard use/user
  • but i'm very tired of Garmin not fixing bugs Reported before Public release, and lack of changelog/documentation

For those that would like to downgrade i can share the files for any official Public release and F7 Series watches. Contact me by DM

If I get a chance I will show 17.28 (last good firmware) vs now. Anyone who is using maps like Talkie Toaster will have noticed it!

Massive regression, or maybe a deliberate feature removal?

I have already heard the same from others and to me 15.77 is the best option.

I’m a really happy user with that.

but you will no longer be able to install any new  ConnectIQ app.