[Firmware ChangeLog]: What's New in 22.28 Beta | Fenix 8/Quatix 8/Enduro 3/Fenix 8 Pro/MicroLED

Overview

Garmin has released 22.28 Beta for the Fenix 8 / Quatix 8 / Enduro 3 / Fenix 8 Pro/MicroLED family as an Available OTA release. The update is currently at 100% rollout and should deliver automatically to enrolled beta users over the air.

Version 22.28 follows closely on the heels of 22.27 and addresses four specific issues: a watch face display bug during color shift, a map course recalculation problem, blank data fields on MIP split-screen maps, and missing stats in Backcountry Ski activity summaries.

Update Details

• Devices: Fenix 8 AMOLED 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm; Fenix 8 Pro/MicroLED; Fenix 8 Solar 47mm and 51mm; Enduro 3; Quatix 8; Fenix E
• Software Version: 22.28 Beta
• Release Date: May 1, 2026
• Channel: Public Beta Program
• Availability: Available OTA (100% rollout)
• Source: Garmin Forums

Garmin 22.28 Beta Changelog

According to Garmin's official announcement, version 22.28 includes the following fixes (changes since 22.27):

• Fixed seconds not showing on the watch face when color shift is active
• Fixed map data screen disappearing after recalculating a course after going off course
• Fixed blank data fields on map split screen for MIP devices
• Fixed Backcountry Ski post activity summary not showing Max Speed or Mileage

Software Versions After Update

After installing 22.28, your watch will report the following versions:

Why 22.28 Beta Matters

Color shift and watch face seconds

The color shift feature is designed for users who need to preserve night vision or reduce screen brightness in specific conditions. In 22.27, when color shift was active, seconds stopped displaying on the watch face. This is a small but noticeable visual bug for anyone who relies on a seconds display for timing during workouts, navigation, or daily use.

Map recalculation fix

When going off course during a navigation activity, the watch needs to recalculate the route. In 22.27, the map data screen could disappear after this recalculation, leaving the user without map context. This fix ensures the map remains visible after an off-course reroute, which is important for hikers, trail runners, and anyone navigating unfamiliar terrain.

MIP device split-screen data fields

Users with MIP display devices (Fenix 8 Solar models, Enduro 3) reported blank data fields on the map split screen. The split-screen view lets users see the map alongside key metrics like distance, pace, or elevation. Blank fields in that layout reduce its usefulness. This fix restores data field visibility for MIP users.

Backcountry Ski activity summary

The Backcountry Ski activity mode was not showing Max Speed or Mileage in the post-activity summary. For backcountry skiers, these are key metrics for tracking descent performance and total distance covered. Without them, the activity summary was incomplete.

Beta Program Notes

Garmin repeats the standard restrictions for this beta cycle:

• ECG is disabled
• Dive features are disabled

If you want to keep those features available, Garmin recommends staying on live software. If you backdate from beta to live, you will need to wait for a newer beta build before beta updates can be installed again.

ECG and Dive features will be re-enabled toward the end of the quarterly beta cycle, when builds are expected to become live releases.

How to Install 22.28 Beta

Because this is an Available OTA release at 100% rollout, enrolled beta users should receive the update automatically over the air. To check manually:

1. Make sure the watch is enrolled in the Public Beta Program
2. Connect the watch through Wi-Fi or the supported Bluetooth delivery path
3. Open Menu > System > Software Update > Check For Updates
4. Install 22.28 if it appears

Conclusion

Garmin 22.28 Beta is a targeted follow-up to 22.27 for the Fenix 8, Quatix 8, Enduro 3, Fenix 8 Pro/MicroLED, and related models. The fixes are specific but address real usability issues: watch face display during color shift, map reliability during navigation, MIP split-screen data fields, and Backcountry Ski activity tracking.

If you are already on the 22.27 beta, 22.28 is a straightforward incremental update. If you rely on ECG or Dive, continue staying on the live channel until those features are re-enabled in a later beta build.