Garmin has started rolling out the first software update for its new Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro smartwatches, with a potentially important fix for owners using Garmin’s inReach service.
System Software 6.48 replaces version 6.38 and focuses almost entirely on fixing early bugs rather than adding new features. Garmin lists seven fixes in total, covering battery drain, calls, voice features, watch faces and Garmin Locate.
The biggest fix targets Fenix 9 Pro battery drain
Battery life is one of the biggest selling points of Garmin’s outdoor watches, so the most interesting change in Software 6.48 is easily the inReach-related fix.
According to Garmin, the update fixes a potential battery drain issue affecting Pro devices with activated inReach plans.
That distinction is important.
Garmin isn’t saying every Fenix 9 Pro will suddenly last longer after installing the update. Instead, the company has corrected a problem that could cause some Pro models using an active inReach plan to lose battery faster than intended.
Notebookcheck highlighted the same fix as the most significant change in the update.
Garmin also fixed six other issues
Battery drain isn’t the only problem addressed in Software 6.48.
Garmin’s full changelog includes fixes for:
- Garmin Locate displaying confusing locations and times.
- Messenger Calls not arriving correctly while the watch and phone remain connected through Bluetooth Low Energy.
- The microphone failing after Voice Assistant is interrupted by an incoming call.
- Potential battery drain on Pro models with active inReach plans.
- Watch-face translation and layout problems.
- Voice alerts playing even when Silent Mode is enabled.
- Volume increase and decrease controls not working correctly.
There are no major new fitness, health or navigation features included in this release.
That makes Software 6.48 more of a stability update — something that makes sense for the first update to a newly released watch family.
Read the full review: Garmin Fenix 9
The update is rolling out gradually
Garmin says Software Version 6.48 has started rolling out to Fenix 9 users, with around 20% of eligible devices receiving it at the time of the announcement.
The company says it will increase that percentage as the rollout continues.
Notebookcheck also notes that the update moves directly from stable Software 6.38 to 6.48 without going through Garmin’s public Beta Program.
If the update hasn’t appeared automatically, Fenix 9 owners can manually check by heading to:
Settings → System → Software Update → Check for Updates