The Garmin Forerunner 975 is one of the most highly anticipated running watches of 2025, rumored to introduce ECG tracking, LTE connectivity, solar charging, and more.
With the Forerunner 965 setting a high benchmark, many athletes and smartwatch enthusiasts are wondering:
- When is the Garmin Forerunner 975 release date?
- What new features will it have?
- Should you wait or buy a current Garmin model?
Let’s dive into the latest leaks, rumors, and expert insights to help you make the best decision.
Garmin Forerunner 975 Release Date: Expected Timeline
Garmin hasn’t officially announced a release date, but based on previous launch cycles, we can estimate a timeframe:
| Model | Release Date | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Forerunner 935 | March 2017 | Advanced metrics |
| Forerunner 945 | April 2019 | Music, Garmin Pay, maps |
| Forerunner 945 LTE | June 2021 | LTE connectivity |
| Forerunner 955 Solar | June 2022 | Solar charging, touchscreen |
| Forerunner 965 | March 2023 | AMOLED display, improved battery |
🔹 Expected Release Date for Forerunner 975
Based on this pattern, the Garmin Forerunner 975 is expected to launch in early to mid-2025.
5 Leaked & Rumored Features of the Garmin Forerunner 975
If the latest leaks and trends are accurate, the Garmin Forerunner 975 may feature advanced health tracking, enhanced training tools, and improved smart connectivity.
✅ ECG Support, Heart Rate Sensor & Sleep Tracking
One of the most anticipated upgrades for the Garmin Forerunner 975 is ECG (electrocardiogram) functionality, a feature already available in premium wearables like the Fenix 7 Pro and Venu 3.
ECG technology helps detect atrial fibrillation (AFib) and other heart abnormalities, making it an essential tool for serious athletes who prioritize heart health.
In addition to ECG functionality, the Garmin Forerunner 975 is expected to feature the next-generation Elevate Gen 5 heart rate sensor, already introduced in high-end wearables like the Fenix 8 and Instinct 3.
This advanced sensor provides more precise real-time heart rate tracking, making it especially useful for intense workouts, interval training, and endurance activities.
With improved accuracy, athletes can monitor their heart rate zones more effectively, optimizing their training for better performance and recovery.
Beyond just heart rate monitoring, the Elevate Gen 5 sensor is expected to enhance caloric burn estimation, stress tracking, and VO2 max calculations, giving users deeper insights into their overall fitness and endurance levels.
Whether you’re a competitive runner, cyclist, or triathlete, these upgrades could make the Forerunner 975 one of Garmin’s most advanced performance-tracking watches to date.
Garmin may also enhance its sleep tracking algorithms, offering deeper insights into sleep cycles, heart rate variability (HRV), and SpO2 levels.
With improved recovery and stress-tracking features, the Forerunner 975 could become an all-in-one tool for health, training, and performance optimization.
✅ Solar Charging for Extended Battery Life
Solar charging has been a game-changer in Garmin’s high-end models like the Forerunner 955 Solar and Fenix series, allowing ultra-runners and endurance athletes to extend battery life during long training sessions.
However, this feature was removed in the Forerunner 965 due to its AMOLED display.
If Garmin can successfully reintroduce solar charging into the Forerunner 975 without sacrificing display quality, it would significantly enhance battery performance, making it one of the best smartwatches for multi-day adventures.
✅ Wireless Charging for Convenience
For years, Garmin has relied on proprietary charging cables, while competitors like Samsung and Apple have embraced Qi wireless charging.
This has been a common complaint among Garmin users, who need to carry unique charging cables for their watches.
Adding wireless charging to the Forerunner 975 would be a massive quality-of-life upgrade, making it easier for users to charge their devices using standard wireless pads, just like their smartphones.
✅ LTE Connectivity for Phone-Free Training
The Forerunner 945 LTE introduced cellular connectivity, but Garmin hasn’t included LTE in any flagship Forerunner models since.
This has left many runners and triathletes hoping for a return of built-in LTE in the Forerunner 975.
With LTE, users could:
🔹 Use LiveTrack and safety features without carrying a phone.
🔹 Send emergency SOS alerts directly from the watch.
🔹 Stream music without needing offline downloads.
For athletes who prefer minimal gear during workouts, LTE connectivity could be a game-changer, eliminating the need to carry a smartphone on long runs or bike rides.
✅ Built-in LED Flashlight for Safety
Garmin has started adding built-in LED flashlights to its watches, including the Instinct 2X, proving that this feature is more than just a gimmick.
A small yet powerful flashlight on the Forerunner 975 could improve visibility during night runs, provide emergency lighting, and even offer a strobe mode for enhanced safety.
If Garmin integrates this feature without significantly affecting battery life, the Forerunner 975 could become one of the most versatile and safety-focused GPS running watches ever. 🚀
These features would significantly improve Garmin’s health-tracking capabilities, making the Forerunner 975 a strong competitor to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Whoop 4.0. 🔥
Should You Wait for the Garmin Forerunner 975?
If you need a running watch right now, it may not be worth waiting, as the Forerunner 975 could take over a year to launch.
However, if ECG, LTE, and solar charging are must-have features for you, waiting might be worth it.
✅ Pros & Cons of Waiting
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Likely includes ECG & LTE | No official release date yet |
| Possible solar & wireless charging | Might be more expensive than Forerunner 965 |
| Expected longer battery life | Some rumored features may not be included |
Best Alternative Running Watches to Consider Now
If you’re not willing to wait, these top Garmin alternatives are available today:
| Smartwatch | Price | Key Features | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Forerunner 965 | $379.99 | AMOLED display, training tools | Buy on Amazon |
| Garmin Forerunner 265 | $409.99 | Budget-friendly, running features | Buy on Amazon |
| Garmin Fenix 7 | $795.00 | Rugged design, outdoor features | Buy on Amazon |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | $759.99 | Advanced smartwatch, fitness tracking | Buy on Amazon |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 | $299.99 | Android-friendly, health tracking | Buy on Amazon |
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About the Garmin Forerunner 975
Will the Garmin Forerunner 975 have ECG support?
Yes, rumors strongly suggest ECG functionality, similar to the Garmin Venu 3 and Fenix 7 Pro.
How much will the Garmin Forerunner 975 cost?
The price isn’t confirmed, but based on previous models, it’s likely to be around $600–$700.
Will the Forerunner 975 have LTE connectivity?
There’s a possibility, as LTE was last featured in the Forerunner 945 LTE (2021).
Does the Forerunner 975 have solar charging?
If Garmin can integrate solar charging without sacrificing AMOLED display quality, it may return.
When is the Garmin Forerunner 975 expected to launch?
Early or mid-2025 based on previous Forerunner release patterns.
Final Thoughts: Is the Garmin Forerunner 975 Worth the Wait?
The Garmin Forerunner 975 has the potential to be one of the best running watches of 2025, with expected ECG support, solar charging, wireless charging, LTE, and LED flashlights.
However, if you need a running watch now, the Forerunner 965 remains an excellent option with an AMOLED display and powerful training tools.
📢 Would you upgrade to the Forerunner 975? What features are most important to you? Let us know in the comments below!
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