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[Garmin Firmware ChangeLog]: What does 18.12 Beta changed | vivoactive 6

garminchangelogfirmware-updatevivoactive-6beta

Overview

Garmin has released Beta Version 18.12 for the vivoactive 6. Public Beta users can manually download the update through the watch software update menu.

This beta is a large update for vivoactive 6. It adds "OK, Garmin" voice commands, a suggested quick running workout, XC Ski Indoor, better volume and notification controls, more frequent weather location updates, and multiple stability fixes.

Update Details

  • Device: Garmin vivoactive 6
  • Software Version: 18.12 Beta
  • Announcement Date: July 1, 2026
  • Channel: Public Beta Program
  • Install Path: Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates
  • Official Announcement: Garmin Forums

Garmin vivoactive 6 18.12 Beta Changelog

New Features and User-Facing Changes

  • 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.
  • Adds missing vibration option for smart notifications.
  • 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 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 Commands on a Lifestyle Fitness Watch

The vivoactive 6 is built for daily fitness and smartwatch use, so voice commands with "OK, Garmin" are a practical addition. They make quick actions easier without relying only on touch navigation.

Better Notifications and Daily Settings

The missing vibration option for smart notifications is specific to vivoactive 6 in this release. Combined with Do Not Disturb tone and vibration fixes, 18.12 should make notification behavior more predictable.

Training and Stability Fixes

Quick running workouts, XC Ski Indoor, treadmill calibration improvements, and reset fixes make this more than a smartwatch update. It also improves training reliability.

How to Get the Update

To download vivoactive 6 Beta 18.12:

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

Only watches enrolled in the Garmin Public Beta program will receive this beta.

Conclusion

Garmin vivoactive 6 Beta 18.12 is a substantial update with voice commands, new training options, notification vibration changes, and broad stability fixes. Public Beta users should consider it an important 18.xx release.