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[Garmin Firmware ChangeLog]: What does 18.12 Beta changed | Forerunner 570

garminchangelogfirmware-updateforerunner-570beta

Overview

Garmin has released Public Beta Version 18.12 for the Forerunner 570. The announcement is marked as Pre-Rollout, and Public Beta users can manually check for the update from the watch.

This beta brings the Forerunner 570 into the same 18.12 feature branch as the Forerunner 970, with voice command support, new workout and activity options, weather update changes, and a long set of reset and workout fixes.

Update Details

  • Device: Garmin Forerunner 570
  • Software Version: 18.12 Beta
  • Announcement Date: July 1, 2026
  • Channel: Public Beta Program
  • Rollout Status: Pre-rollout / manual check
  • Install Path: Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates
  • Official Announcement: Garmin Forums

Garmin Forerunner 570 18.12 Beta Changelog

New Features and Usability Improvements

  • Enables the voice command feature with the "OK, Garmin" wake word.
  • Adds a suggested quick workout for running.
  • Adds the XC Ski Indoor activity.
  • Adds volume context to volume control.
  • Allows a tap or swipe to dismiss workout step preview and workout step complete banners.
  • Increases the maximum size of course point names.
  • Allows the user to disable the sleep suggestion in the evening report.
  • Updates weather location more often.
  • Attempts to download stored heart rate data after a swim only if a heart rate monitor was connected.

Fixes in 18.12 Beta

  • Fixes resets when installing audio prompt software and host software at the same time.
  • Fixes resets during a strength activity free workout.
  • Fixes resets when powering down.
  • Fixes resets during a golf activity.
  • Fixes resets when using the Saved app.
  • Fixes treadmill calibration failing to result in more accurate treadmill distance.
  • Fixes tone and vibration settings not always being honored in Do Not Disturb mode.
  • Fixes not being able to start a suggested multisport workout.
  • Fixes not being able to edit structured repeat intervals when starting from the morning report.
  • Fixes the onscreen lap shortcut no longer showing in HIIT workouts.
  • Fixes volume level not returning to the correct setting after water ejection.
  • Fixes remaining distance not showing on the map page when navigating to a saved location.
  • Fixes the Do Not Disturb icon being cropped on certain watch face designs.
  • Fixes jagged border lines on certain watch face designs.
  • Fixes other minor issues.

Why This Update Matters

Voice and Workout Features

The new "OK, Garmin" voice command support is the biggest user-facing addition. Combined with a suggested quick running workout, it makes the Forerunner 570 more flexible for quick training decisions.

Better Activity Coverage

The XC Ski Indoor activity gives winter-sport users a more specific profile for indoor ski training. Garmin also improves how stored heart rate data is handled after swims.

Daily Reliability Fixes

The reset fixes cover several scenarios: software installation, strength workouts, power down, golf, and the Saved app. For a daily training watch, those stability fixes matter more than the changelog length suggests.

How to Get the Update

Only Public Beta devices will receive this release. To manually check:

  1. Open the Main menu
  2. Go to Settings
  3. Select System
  4. Choose Software Update
  5. Tap Check For Updates

Conclusion

Garmin Forerunner 570 Beta 18.12 is a meaningful beta release with voice commands, new workout and activity options, and broad reliability fixes. For beta users, it is worth installing if you want to stay current with Garmin's 18.xx testing branch.