Garmin Instinct Series Gets Beta Update with New Watch Face

Garmin is rolling out beta version 13.18 to users of the Instinct 3, Instinct E, and Instinct Crossover smartwatches, marking the latest update in the 13.xx testing cycle. The company pushed this update to approximately 50% of eligible users, though it hasn't specified when the over-the-air (OTA) rollout will be complete.

The update follows closely on the heels of stable software version 12.26, which arrived in mid-January 2026 and brought support for the new Xero C2 Chronograph (currently priced at $699.99 on Amazon). While the stable release focused on expanding device compatibility, the beta version 13.18 appears to concentrate on refinements and bug fixes.

For users of the Instinct 3 and Instinct E models, the changelog remains deliberately vague, mentioning only "various bug fixes and minor improvements" without providing specific details. This approach is typical for beta releases, where Garmin often tests fixes internally before committing to detailed documentation.

However, Instinct Crossover owners receive something more tangible with this update: a new watch face design. Unfortunately, Garmin has chosen not to name, describe, or visually showcase this new watch face in the release notes. The company's decision to keep the design under wraps has sparked curiosity among the beta testing community, who are eager to discover what visual changes await them.

Beyond the mysterious watch face, Instinct Crossover users also benefit from a practical bug fix. The update resolves an issue that some users encountered when setting weight values during Strength activities. This fix addresses a functionality gap that could have impacted workout tracking accuracy for users who monitor their strength training progress.

The beta testing process continues to be an essential part of Garmin's software development cycle, allowing the company to identify and resolve issues before they reach the broader user base. With version 13.18 now reaching half of the eligible devices, feedback from this initial group will likely influence any subsequent adjustments before a potential stable release.

The Instinct series, known for its rugged design and outdoor-focused features, continues to receive attention from Garmin's development team. These regular updates demonstrate the company's commitment to maintaining and improving its product lineup, even for devices that have been on the market for some time.

The lack of visual documentation for the new watch face represents a curious choice by Garmin. In an era where visual teasers and sneak peeks are common marketing tools, the company's decision to keep this feature hidden until users install the update themselves creates an element of surprise and discovery within the beta testing community.

As the rollout progresses, users of the affected devices should watch for the update notification on their paired smartphones. Those participating in the beta program can expect to see the changes reflected in their device's interface, with Instinct Crossover owners particularly eager to discover the appearance and functionality of the new watch face.

The ongoing beta program for the Instinct series underscores Garmin's iterative approach to software development, where user feedback and real-world testing help shape the final product. Whether this beta version will graduate to stable release status remains to be seen, but the improvements and new features suggest Garmin continues to invest in enhancing the user experience across its smartwatch lineup.