Garmin has delivered the first update to its new flagship smartwatch. Rolling out globally as System Software 18.41, the update introduces a dozen changes to the Fenix 8 Pro, including a host of bug fixes and other improvements.
The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is only a week old today, having been released last Wednesday (curr. $1,199 on Amazon). Nonetheless, the company’s first microLED-backed smartwatch is already eligible for its first software update.
For the time being, Garmin has not added the Fenix 8 Pro to its Beta Program. Instead, the company’s latest smartwatch has received a stable update on a completely different development branch from the Fenix 8 and other associated smartwatches. Incidentally, Garmin has just pushed a new stable update to the Fenix 8 as well, full details of which we have covered separately.
According to Garmin, System Software 18.41 addresses nine bugs that shipped with Fenix 8 Pro launch software. Thus, one may be prompted to install a day one software update after setting up a Fenix 8 Pro. Additionally, Garmin claims to have improved messaging functionality in various areas. The full changelog for System Software 18.41 is as follows; please see our Fenix 8 Pro launch article for more details about Garmin’s latest smartwatch:
- Fixed issue where “GPS is Ready” banner would display unexpectedly after using NTN.
- Fixed issue where the call option would show for Messenger threads with unknown contacts.
- Fixed issues with jumpy elevation when at higher altitudes.
- Fixed possible crash when starting a Messenger Call.
- Fixed possible issue where a reaction would not be removed from a Messenger chat thread.
- Fixed possible issue where the Messenger Calls history list would show blank entries.
- Fixed possible issue where the weather app shows disconnected when there is an active Bluetooth connection.
- Fixed possible issue with spacing on Messenger notifications during an activity.
- Fixed possible issue with the layout of Messenger chat threads when new messages are received.
- Improved check messages button in Messenger chat threads when actively checking for new messages.
- Improved message option on incoming Messenger Call page to automatically decline the call.
- Improved scrolling in Messenger chat threads.
Alex Alderson – Senior Tech Writer – 13198 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018
Prior to writing and translating for Notebookcheck, I worked for various companies including Apple and Neowin. I have a BA in International History and Politics from the University of Leeds, which I have since converted to a Law Degree. Happy to chat on Twitter or Notebookchat.
Alex Alderson, 2025-09-10 (Update: 2025-09-10)