[Garmin Firmware ChangeLog]: What's New in 15.52 | Forerunner 970

Overview

Garmin has announced the availability of Software Version 15.52 for the flagship Forerunner 970 smartwatch. The update is currently in a 50% phased rollout across eligible devices, marking another important milestone in the device's software evolution.

Update Details

Device: Garmin Forerunner 970
Software Version: 15.52
Rollout Status: 50% Phased Rollout (Stable Channel)
Release Timeline: Rolling out gradually to all users

What's New in Version 15.52?

According to Garmin's official changelog, version 15.52 includes:

Manufacturing Support Changes

Changes to support manufacturing - This indicates that Garmin has updated device drivers to accommodate hardware component variations in newly manufactured units
Ensures compatibility with new supplier components while maintaining backward compatibility with existing devices
Typically has no visible impact on end-user experience for current owners

Bug Fixes & Stability Improvements

Various bug fixes and improvements targeting system stability and performance
Recent community reports suggest potential fixes for minor display glitches and fitness data synchronization issues
Overall system reliability enhancements

Installation Instructions

If your Forerunner 970 is part of the initial rollout wave, the update may download automatically over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. To manually check for the update:

Press the Up/Menu button on your watch
Navigate to System in the menu
Select Software Update
Choose Check for Updates
If available, the watch will prompt you to install (estimated time: 2-5 minutes)

If the update is not yet available, check back within 24-48 hours as the rollout percentage increases toward 100%.

Important Notes

Internet Connection: Ensure your watch is connected to Wi-Fi or paired with a smartphone over Bluetooth during the update
Battery Level: Make sure your device has at least 50% battery before starting the installation
Device Compatibility: Only compatible with Forerunner 970 models

About the Forerunner 970

The Forerunner 970 (released May 2025) is Garmin's premium multisport smartwatch, succeeding the Forerunner 965. Key specifications include:

1.4-inch AMOLED display with 454x454 resolution
Sapphire crystal lens for superior scratch resistance
Built-in LED flashlight
Elevate Gen 5 heart rate sensor with ECG capability
Titanium bezel for premium aesthetics
Up to 15 days in smartwatch mode; up to 26 hours in GPS mode
Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology
Built-in speaker and microphone for voice calls
Water-resistant to 10 ATM (suitable for swimming)

The Beta-to-Stable Pipeline

It's worth noting that Garmin is simultaneously testing Beta version 16.14 in its testing channel, which likely contains the next major feature release. If you're looking for significant new functionality (beyond stability improvements), expect that in the version 16.xx public release later this quarter.

Community Feedback

Garmin watch enthusiasts on forums and social media have been generally positive about recent Forerunner 970 updates. While version 15.52 appears focused on backend improvements rather than flashy new features, these stability-focused releases are crucial for long-term device health and performance.

How to Stay Informed

Check Garmin Forums: Visit https://forums.garmin.com for the latest update announcements
Monitor Your Device: Regular checks via the Software Update menu ensure you receive updates as soon as they're available for your geographic region
Subscribe to Garmin Connect: Enable notifications for software updates in the Garmin Connect app

Conclusion

Version 15.52 represents Garmin's continued commitment to refining the Forerunner 970's performance and manufacturing consistency. While it may not introduce headline features, these incremental updates are essential for maintaining device stability, reliability, and long-term value. If you own a Forerunner 970, plan to install this update once it becomes available to your device.

Have you updated to version 15.52 yet? Share your experience in the comments below!