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Garmin releases first update to new smartwatch with multiple changes and improvements

The Approach S72 has already received its first software update.
ⓘ Garmin
The Approach S72 has already received its first software update.
Garmin has launched its first update for one of its latest smartwatch releases. Available to download globally, the new firmware is said to improve the overall user experience on the Approach S72 in several areas via multiple bug fixes and other ancillary updates.

Hardly any time has passed since Garmin unveiled the Approach S72 (curr. $799 on Amazon). Built on the foundations of the Fenix 8 series, the Approach S72 departs from last year's Approach S70 in several areas. Please see our launch article for more details about the Approach S72.

Now, Garmin has started rolling out its first firmware update to the Approach S72. Specifically, it has released System Software 23.45 on its stable software channel. For reference, the company has decided against including Approach smartwatches in its public Beta Program.

Writing on its forum, the company claims to have already offered System Software 23.45 to around 20% of Approach S72 smartwatches. If that has not occurred with your unit, then you can request the new update by navigating through the main menu to Settings, System and Software Update before tapping 'Check for Updates'.

Once updated, the Approach S72 should no longer stop recording heart rate data at random. Moreover, Garmin claims that System Software 23.45 addresses issues that prevented smart notifications from being processed correctly. The full list of changes from System Software 23.42 are as follows:

  • Fixed issue where HR could stop recording.
  • Fixed potential issues processing smart notifications.
  • Fixed the icon shown when a putt is marked.
  • Updated translations.

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> Expert reviews and news on laptops, smartphones and tech innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2026 10 > Garmin releases first update to new smartwatch with multiple changes and improvements
Alex Alderson, 2026-10-27 (Update: 2026-10-27)