Garmin Forerunner 570 / 970 Software Version 17.16 Beta Update (Pre-Rollout)

Garmin has posted software version 17.16 Beta for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 on April 7, 2026.

This is a beta pre-rollout release rather than a full stable rollout, so availability can lag across enrolled watches.

What "Pre-Rollout" Means

In Garmin beta announcements, pre-rollout usually means the build is available, but you may still need to manually check for updates on the watch before it appears.

If you are on the normal public firmware channel, it is also normal not to see 17.16 yet.

Supported Devices

Forerunner 570
Forerunner 970

Is 17.16 Beta or Stable?

Based on Garmin's forum announcement, 17.16 is a beta update for both models.

Garmin has posted the build, but it is still on the beta pre-rollout path.

Shared 17.16 Change Log

Garmin lists these changes for both the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970:

Added a silent mode that can be opened from the controls loop or through a button shortcut.
Added access to the keyboard layout menu by swiping up from the bottom of the page.
Updated the phone shortcut so it opens the phone app instead of the phone settings menu.
Increased the amount of time that goal animations remain visible.
Added a voice command shortcut for opening the battery manager app.
Fixed failed activity uploads to Garmin Connect.
Fixed cases where an upcoming race event could fail to appear.
Fixed problems syncing strength personal records with Garmin Connect.
Fixed pool swim workouts progressing through active steps without interaction.
Fixed auto lap alerts during golf activities.
Fixed cases where watches with many saved activity files could feel unresponsive.
Fixed rest timer countdown tones sounding out of rhythm during strength workouts.
Fixed some activities missing from Body Battery factors.
Fixed watch face sunrise and sunset fields not updating.
Fixed battery drain after using the phone assistant or accepting a phone call on the watch.
Fixed access to voice command, music, and voice notes during an active call.
Fixed cases where ending a call on the watch did not end the call on the phone.
Fixed blank sports scores for teams without upcoming games.
Fixed the gear tracking progress bar after an activity.
Updated the outer ring in the fish forecast app to match the user's time format.
Fixed missing special characters in some keyboard layouts.
Fixed failures when mounting the watch as a mass storage device after connecting to an inReach device.
Fixed a possible reset when using WhatsApp on iPhone.
Fixed a possible reset when deleting a workout.
Fixed double number entry when long-pressing a button on the pin pad.
Fixed nap alarm behavior when leaving the page by palming.
Fixed other minor bugs.
Updated translations.

Extra 17.16 Items on Forerunner 970

The Forerunner 970 announcement also includes a few items that were not listed in the Forerunner 570 thread:

Added QR codes in Outdoor Maps+ layer descriptions.
Added a navigation shortcut to the last Man Overboard point.
Fixed navigation ending after GPS loss or course deviation.
Fixed touch behavior after taking an ECG reading.
Fixed Outdoor Maps+ downloads not resuming after interruption.

This means 17.16 is similar across both models, but not completely identical.

How To Install 17.16 Beta

Garmin says you can manually request the update from:

Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates

You still need to be enrolled in Garmin's beta program for the version to appear.