Overview
Garmin has released Beta Version 23.15 for Fenix 8 AMOLED, Fenix 8 Solar, Enduro 3, Quatix 8, and Fenix E models.
The update was at 100% OTA rollout for watches enrolled in Garmin's Public Beta Program. It improves the flashlight shortcut and fixes several practical problems involving music playback, timer alerts, and the phone shortcut.
Update Details
- Devices: Fenix 8 AMOLED 43mm/47mm/51mm, Fenix 8 Solar 47mm/51mm, Enduro 3, Quatix 8, Fenix E
- Software Version: 23.15 Beta
- Previous Beta Version: 23.13
- Channel: Public Beta Program
- Rollout Status: 100% OTA
- Official Announcement: Garmin Forums
Garmin 23.15 Beta Changelog
- Improved the flashlight shortcut so it cycles through on, off, and strobe modes.
- Fixed the phone shortcut on devices without the phone app; those devices now open the phone connection page.
- Fixed an issue that could cause the watch to reset while playing music.
- Fixed an issue where music volume could jump to 100% when a timer expired during an activity.
- Fixed other minor issues.
- Updated translations.
Why This Update Matters
Faster Flashlight Control
Cycling through on, off, and strobe modes makes the flashlight shortcut more useful when visibility or signaling needs change quickly. The improvement reduces the need to open a separate control screen.
Music Playback Should Be Safer and More Stable
A watch reset during music playback can interrupt both audio and an active workout. The separate volume fix is also important: an unexpected jump to 100% when a timer goes off can be unpleasant, especially with headphones connected during an activity.
Better Behavior on Watches Without the Phone App
The phone-shortcut fix replaces a dead or inappropriate destination with the phone connection page. That gives users a relevant next step on models or configurations where the phone app itself is unavailable.
Component Versions After Updating
| Component | Version |
|---|---|
| Software Version | 23.15 |
| GPS Version | 7.11 |
| Fenix E GPS Version | 16.01 |
| Wireless Version | 29.24 |
| Fenix E / Enduro 3 Wireless Version | 29.24 |
| Sensor Hub Version | 39.03 |
| Fenix 8 AMOLED Touch Screen Version | 0.19 |
| Fenix 8 Solar Touch Screen Version | 3.10 |
| Enduro 3 Touch Screen Version | 3.10 |
| Fenix E Touch Screen Version | 12.21 |
Important Beta Limitations
Garmin states that ECG and Dive features are disabled in this part of the Fenix 8 public beta cycle. Users who need those features should remain on stable software. Garmin expects to restore them in beta versions approaching a live release.
Backdating to stable software can require setting up ECG again and prevents the watch from downloading the same beta build a second time; users must wait for a newer beta before rejoining the current update track.
Installation Notes
Only watches enrolled in the Public Beta Program receive this update. With enrollment active, keep the watch connected to Garmin Connect Mobile or Wi-Fi and check Menu > System > Software Update if the OTA update has not installed automatically.
As with any beta software, install only if you are comfortable reporting bugs and potentially returning to stable software if a critical feature is affected.
Conclusion
Garmin Beta 23.15 is a useful quality-of-life update for Fenix 8, Quatix 8, Enduro 3, and Fenix E beta testers. The music reset and volume fixes are the most important reliability changes, while the improved flashlight shortcut makes an everyday tool quicker to use.