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[Firmware ChangeLog]: What's New in 15.17 Beta | Instinct 3 Series
Overview
Garmin has released Beta Version 15.17 across the Instinct 3 family. The update is fully available OTA for enrolled beta devices.
The only change since Beta 15.16 is a fix for pace dropping out during intervals. Garmin also provides a cumulative changelog measured against public software 14.15, covering activity, display, satellite, DogTrack, Connect IQ, and tactical improvements.
Update Details
- Devices: Instinct 3 AMOLED 45mm/50mm, Instinct 3 Solar 45mm/50mm, Instinct E 40mm/45mm, Instinct 3 Tactical AMOLED/Solar, Instinct Crossover AMOLED
- Software Version: 15.17 Beta
- Previous Beta Version: 15.16
- Current Public Version Used by Garmin for Comparison: 14.15
- Channel: Public Beta Program
- Rollout Status: Fully available OTA
- Official Announcement: Garmin Forums
New in Beta 15.17 Since 15.16
- Fixed an issue where pace could drop out during intervals.
This is the only newly listed change for users already running Beta 15.16.
Full 15.17 Changelog Since Public Version 14.15
All Instinct 3 and Instinct E Models
- Improved gear suggestions for Hike activities.
- Fixed a potential treadmill distance calibration issue.
- Fixed possible lag in the glances list.
- Fixed an incorrect weight value that could appear while editing a strength-training set.
- Fixed pace dropping out during intervals.
AMOLED Models
- Fixed an incorrect watch-face date in some languages on Tactical models.
- Fixed sleep data not displaying correctly in Morning Report in some languages.
Solar Models
- Restored the missing Auto Select Satellites option in Power Manager.
AMOLED and Solar Models
- Added Xero range sensor data support to the Applied Ballistics app on Tactical models.
AMOLED, Solar, and Instinct Crossover Models
- Added an obstacle list to the post-activity summary for Obstacle Racing.
Solar and Instinct E Models
- Fixed the dog pointer direction in the DogTrack glance.
- Fixed a Connect IQ data field being obscured.
- Fixed blank watch-face data fields in some languages.
Why the Interval Pace Fix Matters
Intervals depend on immediate pace feedback. A pace value that disappears during a work or recovery step makes it harder to hold the intended effort and evaluate the session in real time. Version 15.17 addresses that problem without adding unrelated behavior on top of the previous beta.
Component Versions After Updating
| Component | Version |
|---|---|
| Software Version | 15.17 |
| GPS Version (Instinct 3/Instinct E) | 16.01 |
| GPS Version (Crossover) | 11.01 |
| BLE/ANT Version | 1.04 |
| Sensor Hub Version | 40.05 |
How to Install Instinct 3 Beta 15.17
Only devices enrolled in Garmin's Public Beta Program receive beta updates. Once enrolled, sync the watch with Garmin Connect Mobile or use its available wireless update connection, then check Menu > System > Software Update if needed.
Garmin says this beta is fully live, so eligible devices should no longer be waiting on a phased rollout.
Should You Install It?
Users who run structured intervals should prioritize 15.17 because pace dropout is the release's new fix. The cumulative changelog also makes the update meaningful for users coming directly from public version 14.15. As always, avoid beta firmware if you need maximum stability and do not want to report possible issues.
Conclusion
Garmin Instinct 3 Series Beta 15.17 is a focused follow-up for interval pace reliability and a cumulative maintenance update for users moving from stable firmware. Its model-specific fixes span the AMOLED, Solar, Tactical, Crossover, and Instinct E variants without treating those devices as identical.