Tag: Forerunner 970

  • New Garmin Fenix 8 Spin-Off Smartwatch Leaks Online

    New Garmin Fenix 8 Spin-Off Smartwatch Leaks Online

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin launched the Instinct E and Instinct 3 at the start of 2025, followed by the Approach S44 and S50.
    2. Upcoming releases include the Forerunner 970 and LTE versions of the Fenix E and Fenix 8, along with other premium smartwatches.
    3. Garmin is developing the D2 Mach 2, likely based on the Fenix 8, with a focus on aviation features.
    4. Expected enhancements for the D2 Mach 2 include an AMOLED display, Elevate Gen 5 heart rate sensor, and voice assistant support.
    5. The D2 Mach 2’s release date is uncertain, but its mention in support documents suggests an official launch may be imminent.


    It looks like Garmin is gearing up for a busy latter part of the year. To summarize, the company started 2025 with the global launch of the Instinct E and Instinct 3 (currently $449.99 on Amazon). Just a few weeks later, they released the Approach S44 and Approach S50, and then shifted focus to the Instinct 3 Tactical Edition, Tactix 8, and Vivoactive 6 this season.

    New Releases on the Horizon

    Recently, there have been hints that Garmin is not only getting ready to unveil the Forerunner 970 but also LTE versions of the Fenix E, Fenix 8, along with other premium smartwatches. In addition, it seems Garmin is working on a new version of the D2 Mach 1.

    D2 Mach 2 Development

    Particularly, Garmin has begun to include mentions of the D2 Mach 2 in relation to its Grade Adjusted Pace (GAP) software. So far, there’s not much information on how the D2 Mach 2 will differ from the current Mach 1 models. However, the5krunner suggests that Garmin is likely to use the Fenix 8 as a base for the D2 Mach 2, emphasizing its aviation features.

    Expected Features and Release Timeline

    The upcoming D2 is expected to come with enhancements like an AMOLED display, Elevate Gen 5 heart rate sensor, and support for a voice assistant through its microphone and speaker setup. Unfortunately, it’s still unclear when Garmin plans to launch the D2 Mach 2. The fact that it has appeared in Garmin’s support documents suggests an official release might happen soon, though.

    Garmin via the5krunner & Garmin Rumors.

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  • Garmin Updates Forerunner Smartwatches Ahead of Forerunner 970 Launch

    Garmin Updates Forerunner Smartwatches Ahead of Forerunner 970 Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin is set to release new Forerunner smartwatches, likely the Forerunner 970 and 975, along with a budget model, the Forerunner 270.
    2. The exact release date for the new Forerunner models is currently unknown.
    3. Garmin is actively testing software updates for existing watches through its Beta Program, with v23.xx testing initiated in March.
    4. The latest beta update, v23.18, includes five bug fixes for multiple Forerunner models and has been released to 50% of compatible devices.
    5. Specific bug fixes in the beta update apply to the Forerunner 165, 255, 955, and 965 models.


    Garmin is likely to release new Forerunner smartwatches this season, acting as successors to the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965 (currently priced at $499.99 on Amazon). Current indications point towards the Forerunner 970 being launched before the Forerunner 975, and there may also be an economical Forerunner 270 introduced alongside them. Although the exact release date for these new models remains uncertain, Garmin is actively working on software upgrades for their current watches through its Beta Program.

    Software Testing Updates

    To summarize, the company initiated v23.xx testing at the end of March, following the rollout of Stable Version 22.22 in February. Sadly, Garmin hasn’t hinted at when a new stable update might come out. Instead, it has replaced Beta Version 23.15 with v23.18, claiming that this new version has been distributed to 50% of compatible smartwatches in most situations.

    Bug Fixes and Changes

    From what we understand, Garmin’s newest beta update introduces five main bug fixes for the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965. Additionally, the changelogs for Beta Version 23.18 include specific bug fixes for the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965. The complete list of changes between Beta Versions 23.15 and 23.18 is outlined as follows:

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  • Garmin Confirms New Features Will Be Behind Paywall

    Garmin Confirms New Features Will Be Behind Paywall

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin launched the Connect+ subscription service at $6.99/month or $69.99/year, while maintaining free access to current features in Garmin Connect.
    2. Connect+ offers tailored insights powered by AI, improved live tracking, and unique achievement badges.
    3. The service is seen as a key part of Garmin’s long-term fitness strategy, according to CEO Cliff Pemble.
    4. Future features may be exclusive to Connect+ subscribers, with positive feedback from early users noted.
    5. Upcoming updates are expected with the launch of the Forerunner 970, which will replace the Forerunner 965.


    Garmin introduced its Connect+ subscription service at the end of March, sparking some debate among users. The service is priced at $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year. Garmin has tried to calm concerns by stating that all current features and data within Garmin Connect will still be accessible for free.

    Connect+ Developments

    Recently, Garmin has provided more information about the future of Connect+ and how it plans to enhance the service. During the Q1 2025 earnings call, Garmin’s President and CEO, Cliff Pemble, shared some insights. He mentioned that Garmin Connect+ is a premium plan that offers tailored insights using artificial intelligence, improved live tracking, and unique achievement badges.

    Enhanced Health and Fitness Insights

    Connect+ aims to boost users’ understanding of their health and fitness through personalized Active Intelligence insights powered by AI. As noted by the5krunner and other observers, Pemble went into more detail, though these specific remarks are not included in Garmin’s earnings call PDF. Instead, they can be found in the linked video starting from 11:23.

    According to Pemble, Connect+ is a “long-term thing for us [Garmin]” and a “very important part” of their fitness strategy moving forward. He also suggested that upcoming features may be restricted to Connect+ subscribers, mentioning positive feedback from early users. While he did not specify what these paywalled features would be, he indicated they would relate to the company’s premium offerings. The first signs of these updates are likely to come with the launch of the Forerunner 970, expected to replace the Forerunner 965 later this season, which is currently priced at $499.99 on Amazon.

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  • Garmin Forerunner 970 May Launch Before Forerunner 975

    Garmin Forerunner 970 May Launch Before Forerunner 975

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Forerunner smartwatches from Garmin may be released soon, based on warranty activity in Taiwan.
    2. The Forerunner 255 and 955 were released in 2022, followed by the Forerunner 265 and 965 within a year.
    3. Speculation suggests the Forerunner 975 might launch later this year, but the Forerunner 970 is expected to be released first.
    4. There is no confirmation that Garmin has abandoned the Forerunner 275 or 975 models.
    5. Details on specifications, pricing, and images for the Forerunner 970 are currently not available.


    It appears that the much-anticipated release of new Forerunner smartwatches may be just around the corner. Although Garmin hasn’t officially hinted at anything yet, the company has been seen engaging in a lengthy warranty campaign on its Taiwanese site for a new Forerunner smartwotch that hasn’t been announced.

    A Quick Overview of Previous Releases

    To summarize, Garmin unveiled the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 955 in the middle of 2022 as updates to the older Forerunner 245 and Forerunner 945 models. Then, less than a year later, the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965 (currently priced at $599.99 on Amazon) were launched, with their second anniversary occurring in March. This led many to believe that the Forerunner 275 and Forerunner 975 would eventually be released.

    Speculations About Future Models

    While there was uncertainty regarding the launch timeline for new Forerunner smartwatches, a reliable leak indicated that the Forerunner 975 might debut later this year. However, Garmin’s extended warranty campaign application form hints that neither the Forerunner 275 nor the Forerunner 975 will be the next smartwatch introduced by Garmin.

    Instead, it seems like the company plans to roll out the Forerunner 970 before it turns its attention to other models in the Forerunner lineup. It’s important to note that there is currently no proof suggesting that Garmin has abandoned the release of the Forerunner 275 or Forerunner 975. That said, the Forerunner 970 appears to be next in line, possibly launching within the upcoming month. Sadly, details regarding specifications, pricing, and images of the device are still not available at this time.

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