Fitness tech enthusiasts, take note: details about Garmin’s highly anticipated Forerunner 970 have surfaced online, thanks to a leak that’s sending waves through the running community. The next-generation multisport watch, which promises to build on the success of the Forerunner 965, appears to include upgraded specs, a refined design, and a summer 2025 launch timeline. Here’s everything we know so far.
The Leak: Twitter Reveals Key Details
The first hints of the Forerunner 970 emerged via a now-viral tweet from industry leaker @fttest_en, who shared purported screenshots of the device’s product listing (view the tweet here). The leak includes a mix of specifications and marketing materials, suggesting Garmin is preparing to push the boundaries of its flagship running watch. While the company has yet to confirm the details, the consistency of the information across multiple sources—including a retailer listing—adds credibility to the claims.
Specs: What’s New in the Forerunner 970?
According to the leaked data, the Forerunner 970 will debut in a 42mm case size, making it slightly more compact than its predecessor while retaining the signature rugged build. Key upgrades reportedly include:
Dual-frequency GPS: Enhanced accuracy for trail runners and urban athletes.
AMOLED Touchscreen: A brighter, crisper display with customizable always-on options.
Extended Battery Life: Up to 24 days in smartwatch mode and 40 hours in GPS mode.
Advanced Health Metrics: Sleep score improvements, real-time recovery insights, and a new “Race Readiness” score that factors in training load and recovery.
Solar Charging: A optional solar edition could debut, mirroring trends in Garmin’s Fenix line.
The device is also rumored to support LTE connectivity for emergency calls and live tracking, a first for the Forerunner series.
Pricing and Availability
The leak points to a starting price of **699∗∗forthebasemodel,placingit699∗∗forthebasemodel,placingit50 above the Forerunner 965’s launch price. A solar edition could push the cost closer to $799. While Garmin has yet to confirm these figures, an Italian retailer, Caponord, has already listed the watch with a “Summer 2025” release window, suggesting a global rollout could follow.
Pre-orders are expected to open in early 2025, with retailers like Amazon likely to stock the device shortly after its official announcement.
Community Reactions and Expectations
The inclusion of LTE has divided fans. While some praise the safety-focused feature, others worry it could inflate the price without adding value for core users. Meanwhile, the smaller 42mm size has been met with enthusiasm, particularly among athletes with slimmer wrists.
“If the battery life claims hold up, this could be a game-changer for ultrarunners,” said one Reddit user in a thread dissecting the leak.
What’s Next?
With Garmin’s typical product cycle pointing to a late Q2 or early Q3 2025 launch, all eyes are on the brand’s next move. Will the Forerunner 970’s leaked specs hold up? And how will it stack up against competitors like Coros and Polar?
For now, the leak offers a tantalizing glimpse into Garmin’s roadmap—and plenty of reasons for athletes to start saving. Stay tuned for updates as we approach the expected summer 2025 release.
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