Garmin has released two updates for the Instinct 3 series in January 2026: stable version 12.26 (January 24) and beta version 13.15 (January 23).
Supported Devices
Stable 12.26
- Instinct 3 Solar - Solar charging rugged watch
- Instinct 3 AMOLED - Vibrant AMOLED display variant
- Instinct Crossover - Hybrid analog/digital model
Beta 13.15
- Instinct 3 AMOLED
- Instinct 3 Solar
- Instinct Crossover AMOLED
- Instinct E - Entry-level Instinct model
Stable Release: Version 12.26
Released January 24, 2026, this is the current recommended version for all Instinct 3 users.
Key Improvements
- General stability enhancements
- Bug fixes from beta testing
- Performance optimizations
How to Update (Stable)
This update is available to all users:
- Settings > System > Software Update
- Or sync with Garmin Connect app
- Or use Garmin Express on computer
Beta Release: Version 13.15
Released January 23, 2026, for beta program participants.
What's Being Tested
- New features in development
- Performance improvements
- Additional bug fixes
How to Get Beta
- Join Garmin Beta Program
- Check for updates on your device
- Report any issues in the beta forums
Version History
| Version | Date | Type | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13.15 | Jan 23, 2026 | Beta | Instinct 3 AMOLED/Solar/Crossover/E |
| 12.26 | Jan 24, 2026 | Stable | Instinct 3 Solar/AMOLED/Crossover |
| 12.21 | Dec 2025 | Stable | Previous stable release |
| 12.12 | Nov 2025 | Beta | Initial 12.xx beta |
Choosing Between Stable and Beta
| Aspect | Stable 12.26 | Beta 13.15 |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Production ready | May have bugs |
| Features | Proven features | New features in testing |
| Support | Full support | Beta forum support |
| Recommended for | Most users | Enthusiasts & testers |