Garmin has hinted at the imminent arrival of a new smartwatch, with a recent social media post in China showcasing a teaser image of the upcoming device. The move suggests the potential launch of a new Forerunner model, expected to be positioned as a more affordable option within the brand’s lineup.
Design Clues Point to Forerunner Lineage
Details about the new wearable remain scarce, with Garmin sharing only a limited amount of information via its Weibo account. However, the accompanying image provides some key insights. The watch’s silhouette bears a striking resemblance to the Forerunner 165, featuring a similar button layout. These buttons appear to control standard functions such as Start/Stop, Back, Down, Up, and Light. The inclusion of a runner in the teaser image further reinforces the strong possibility that this is indeed a Forerunner series device, potentially serving as a successor to either the Forerunner 55 or the Forerunner 165. This speculation has led to predictions that the new model could be named the Forerunner 65 or Forerunner 175.
Anticipated Features and Pricing
While specific features of the new smartwatch are yet to be confirmed, we can look to existing Forerunner models for an idea of what to expect. The entry-level Forerunner 55, for instance, is a GPS running watch equipped with an MIP display, heart rate monitoring, Daily Suggested Workouts, and Garmin Coach. The Forerunner 165, a more advanced model, boasts an AMOLED display and offers sophisticated tools like Running Dynamics and VO2 Max.
According to the Weibo post, the new model is anticipated to retail in China for between CNY 1,000 (approximately USD 139) and CNY 1,999 (roughly USD 278), positioning it as a relatively budget-friendly choice. For comparison, the Forerunner 165 currently sells for CNY 2,080 ($249.99 in the US). The official Chinese pricing for this new Garmin smartwatch is slated for announcement on July 22nd at noon (4:00 AM GMT). It remains uncertain whether the full specifications of the wearable will be revealed simultaneously, and Garmin has yet to confirm a release timeline for other international markets, including the US.
