Unannounced and undocumented new software 21.18 for Edge Explore 2

"Fixed potential crash and lap data loss when turning the device off mid-ride" 

Yuri, probably you copied this from the Edge 1040 change log for 21.18? Please be careful doing this because you are selling 'truth' without being able to be sure if it is true, a bit true or not true al all!
My point is that Garmin pushes new software for the Explore 2 without any information or documantation. Now we have to guess or gamble what changes are implemented.

Yes, of course it's a joke, but it's very much like the truth.
These are the changes Garmin announced for both the 1040, 840, and 540.

And for 21.16 ---> 21.17 the changes for Explore 2 are completely consistent with those models.

"I'll put this software on hold until..."

How can you postpone an update?

Only manually by being very alert that after every synch (I'm using Garmin Express / Windows) you delete or rename the file GUPDATE.GCD from the folder ..\Garmin on the device. This has to be done before you disconnect the Edge from the PC.
If you got trapped nevertheless and the Edge announces that an update is available, you can postpone the installation via a dialogue. This also has te be done consequently every time the Edge has a power-on or a restart after a mass-storage event. Be aware however, I'm told that this dialogue for some reason does not pop-up every time and the new software is installed automatically. The most safe and user-controlled way is to delete the GUPDATE.GCD consequently.

How this works if you're using Garmin Connect Mobile / Garmin Express, I don't know. Doubt if there is an opportunity then to delete the .GCD update file?

Yes, sure! And it gives you the opportunity to save a copy as a backup (rename it to for example GUPDATE_2118.GCD) in case you want to roll back later for whatever reason.

wtf, no fixes for all the Bluetooth/ANT+ issues ... it's a disgrace, my almost ten year old Edge 1000 works still flawlessly, never had a sensor connection issue and with this Explore 2 I only ever have bugs and issues! 

So this update has stopped my cadence and heart rate monitor from working and i keep getting 'phone connected' 'phone disconnected' for the whole ride over and over.  It's made my device almost unuseable.