Garmin has started rolling out a major stable update for several older mid-range Forerunner smartwatches, with the biggest focus on activity tracking and workout reliability. Software Version 28.05 is now reaching the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965.
The update matters because it goes beyond routine bug fixes and touches the daily functions many runners and training users rely on most. Garmin says the package includes up to 10 changes, although the exact number varies by model.
What each Forerunner model receives
The most heavily updated devices are the Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965, which receive up to 10 changes. The Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 265 get 8 changes, while the Forerunner 165 receives 7 changes.
All supported models get improvements related to activity and workout handling. That places this release among the more important stable updates for users who depend on these watches for training sessions and activity recording.
Workout and activity issues addressed
On the Forerunner x55 and x65 models, Garmin fixed an issue that could prevent some activities from uploading to Garmin Connect. The company also repaired a bug that could cause race events to disappear or appear twice after being sent to the device.
Garmin Run Coach also received attention, with a fix for week numbers in training plans that could show differently on the watch and in Garmin Connect Mobile. The company additionally corrected workout previews that contained only one step, along with a problem where display settings would not apply when changed from Garmin Connect Mobile.
The update also adds completion time to audio prompts for distance intervals. Garmin describes the package more broadly as including various bug fixes and improvements.
Extra fixes for select models
For the Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965, Garmin fixed a crash that could happen when saving an activity after course navigation. Both models also receive a correction for China OSM maps.
Meanwhile, the Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965 all gain a fix for pairing with Schwinn devices. That shows the update is aimed not only at training tools, but also at improving accessory compatibility.
Rollout is still limited
Garmin says Software Version 28.05 has reached about 20% of eligible smartwatches so far. That number is expected to rise over the next few days as the rollout continues.
For Forerunner owners in the supported lineup, this is one of the more meaningful stable updates in recent months because it targets activity accuracy, workout consistency, and day-to-day reliability at the same time.