Despite the buzz surrounding the upcoming Fenix 8 and Instinct 3 leaks, the Garmin Forerunner series remains a favorite among many. While it is likely that there will be no new releases until 2025, we can already start thinking about some features that could be included in a Forerunner 975.
With the Forerunner 255 and 955 no longer listed under Garmin’s current watches and the recently launched Forerunner 165 (Garmin’s entry-level sports watch) sporting an AMOLED display, it seems likely that the Forerunner line may be transitioning to exclusively AMOLED screens. Here are other anticipated features:
- Latest Heart Rate Sensor with ECG Support:
An upgraded optical heart rate sensor compatible with ECG measuring capabilities. This feature is found in newer models like the Fenix 7 Pro Epix 2 Pro, and Venu 3, which have Garmin’s Elevate 5 Heart Rate sensors. We will see if a new sensor is released with the Fenix 8 release this fall. - Wireless Charging:
Wireless charging would add convenience and eliminate the need for proprietary Garmin chargers. Currently, The Vivomove Trend, released in February 2023, is Garmin’s only model that supports wireless Qi charging. - LTE Support:
Adding cellular support would allow the ability for certain connected services in real-time. For example, LTE which is currently available on the Forerunner 945 LTE enables phone-free safety and tracking features, spectator messaging, and live event sharing. Phone-free Spotify and music streaming are also a possibility. Unfortunately, due to limitations from Apple, it’s currently impossible to use the same number as your iPhone and take phone calls from your Garmin device without your phone. - Built-in LED Flashlight:
The addition of an LED flashlight, which has become popular in the Fenix, Epix, and Instinct series.
Looking Ahead
While there are no official leaks about the Forerunner 975 yet, the anticipation is high. Given the historical release patterns, it’s possible that the next model could arrive in early to mid-2025, and that the Fenix and Instinct releases will give us some hints of what features the high-end Forerunner would adopt. Below is the release timeline of the 975’s predecessors.
- Garmin Forerunner 935 — March 29, 2017
- Garmin Forerunner 945 — April 30, 2019
- Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE — June 2, 2021
- Garmin Forerunner 955 and 955 Solar — June 1, 2022
- Garmin Forerunner 965 — March 2, 2023
- Garmin Forerunner 975 — 2Q 2025?
