As a smartwatch lover and avid runner, I’m always on the lookout for the next big thing in running watches. The Garmin Forerunner series has long been a favorite among serious runners, and for good reason.
These watches pack a punch with their robust training tools, accurate sensors, and top-notch fitness tracking platform.
Today, I’m excited to share my Garmin Forerunner 975 wishlist – all the features I hope to see in the next generation of this popular line.
Why I’m Excited About the Garmin Forerunner 975
![Garmin Forerunner 975: Insider Secrets on Release Date and Must-Have Features 2 Garmin Forerunner 975 Release Date](https://smartwatchinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Garmin-Forerunner-975-Release-Date-1024x536.webp)
The current top model, the Forerunner 965, is already an impressive device. It scored a whopping 4.5 stars in reviews, which speaks volumes about its quality.
But in the world of tech, there’s always room for improvement. As we look ahead to the potential Forerunner 975, I’ve got some ideas about what could make this great watch even better.
5 Features We Want to See in the Garmin Forerunner 975
The Garmin Forerunner series has consistently impressed runners and fitness enthusiasts with its robust features and reliable performance.
As we look forward to the release of the Garmin Forerunner 975, here are the top 5 features we want to see to make it the ultimate running watch.
1. ECG Support
![Garmin Forerunner 975: Insider Secrets on Release Date and Must-Have Features 3 Garmin Forerunner 975](https://smartwatchinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Garmin-Forerunner-975-Release-Date-Rumors-and-rumurs-1024x536.webp)
At the top of my Garmin Forerunner 975 wishlist is ECG support. The current 965 model uses Garmin’s Elevate Gen 4 heart rate sensor.
While it’s good, it’s not the latest and greatest. Newer Garmin watches like the Fenix 7 Pro and Venu 3 use the Gen 5 sensor, allowing ECG functionality.
ECG (electrocardiogram) recording has become a common feature in many high-end smartwatches, and for good reason.
It can help detect heart rhythm irregularities, potentially catching serious issues like atrial fibrillation (AFib) early. For a top-tier running watch, this seems like a must-have feature.
2. Solar Charging
The Forerunner 965 introduced a beautiful AMOLED display to the series, which was a welcome upgrade. However, this came at the cost of solar charging capability, which was available in the previous 955 Solar model.
Solar charging is a great feature for endurance athletes and those who spend much time outdoors. It can significantly extend battery life, which is crucial for long training sessions or races.
While it might be challenging to implement with an AMOLED display, I’d love to see Garmin find a way to bring solar charging back in the Forerunner 975.
3. Wireless Charging
If solar charging isn’t in the cards, then wireless charging would be a great alternative for the Garmin Forerunner 975.
Given the likely high price point of this watch, convenient, universal charging seems appropriate. It would be a welcome change from the proprietary chargers that Garmin (and many other sports watch manufacturers) currently use.
4. LTE Support
Another feature high on my Garmin Forerunner 975 wishlist is LTE support. We’ve seen this in other Garmin models like the Forerunner 945 LTE and the Venu 3, but it hasn’t made its way to the top-tier Forerunner yet.
LTE support isn’t just about making calls from your wrist. For runners, it’s about safety and connectivity. Features like LiveTrack, which allows others to follow your run in real time, become much more useful when you don’t need to carry your phone.
For those long training runs or races where you want to travel light, built-in LTE could be a game-changer.
5. LED Flashlight
This might seem like a small feature, but anyone who’s used a Garmin watch with a built-in LED flashlight knows how handy it can be.
Unlike the screen-based “flashlight” on many smartwatches, Garmin’s LED flashlight on watches like the Instinct 2X functions more like a real torch.
For runners, this feature isn’t just about finding your way in the dark. The strobe setting can make you more visible to traffic during early morning or late evening runs.
It’s a simple addition that could significantly enhance the watch’s utility and safety features.
Garmin Forerunner 975 release date
![Garmin Forerunner 975: Insider Secrets on Release Date and Must-Have Features 4 Garmin Forerunner 975 Release Date Rumors and Wishlist for the Next Gen Running Watch](https://smartwatchinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Garmin-Forerunner-975-Release-Date-Rumors-and-Wishlist-for-the-Next-Gen-Running-Watch-1024x536.webp)
To understand where we might be going with the Forerunner 975, it’s helpful to look at where we’ve been. Here’s a quick rundown of the recent Forerunner releases:
Model | Release Date | Key Features |
---|---|---|
Forerunner 935 | March 29, 2017 | Advanced performance metrics, long battery life |
Forerunner 945 | April 30, 2019 | Music storage, Garmin Pay, color maps |
Forerunner 945 LTE | June 2, 2021 | LTE connectivity for safety features |
Forerunner 955/955 Solar | June 1, 2022 | Solar charging option, touchscreen |
Forerunner 965 | March 2, 2023 | AMOLED display, longer battery life |
Each new model has brought significant improvements, and I expect the Forerunner 975 to continue this trend.
When Will the Garmin Forerunner 975 Hit the Shelves?
While there’s no official word from Garmin yet, it seems likely that we’ll see a Forerunner 975 at some point. The Forerunner series has been very successful for Garmin, and they’ve shown a commitment to regularly updating the line.
Looking at past release dates, we can make some educated guesses about when we might see the Forerunner 975.
If Garmin returns to its previous pattern of roughly two years between major updates, we might see the Forerunner 975 sometime in early to mid-2025.
What to Expect from the Garmin Forerunner 975
![Garmin Forerunner 975: Insider Secrets on Release Date and Must-Have Features 5 Garmin Forerunner 975 Release Date Rumors and Wishlist for the Next Gen Running Watch](https://smartwatchinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Garmin-Forerunner-975-Release-Date-Rumor-1024x536.webp)
The Garmin Forerunner 975 is highly anticipated by fitness enthusiasts and runners. While the features on my Garmin Forerunner 975 wishlist are the ones I’m most excited about, there are other improvements Garmin could introduce:
Improved GPS Accuracy: While Garmin’s GPS is already excellent, there’s always room for improvement, especially in challenging environments like urban canyons or dense forests.
Enhanced Recovery Metrics: More advanced sleep tracking and recovery recommendations could help runners optimize their training.
Expanded Smart Features: While Garmin watches are primarily fitness devices, adding more smartwatch features could make them more appealing to a broader audience.
Improved Battery Life: Even with the current impressive battery life, longer-lasting power is always welcome, especially for ultra-runners and multi-day adventurers.
More Customizable Training Plans: While Garmin already offers good training plans, more personalization and adaptability could take these to the next level.
Should You Wait for the Garmin Forerunner 975?
Given that the potential release of the Forerunner 975 is likely more than a year away, it’s hard to recommend waiting if you’re in the market for a new running watch now.
The current Forerunner 965 is an excellent device that will serve most runners very well.
If you’re looking for a high-end running watch right now, here are some options to consider:
Smartwatch | Price | Key Features | Buy Now |
---|---|---|---|
Garmin Forerunner 965 | $379.99 | The current top-of-the-line Forerunner, offers a beautiful AMOLED display and powerful training tools. | Buy on Amazon |
Garmin Forerunner 265 | $409.99 | A more budget-friendly option that still offers many of the advanced features of its bigger sibling. | Buy on Amazon |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 | $299.99 | For Android users who want more smartwatch features alongside fitness tracking. | Buy on Amazon |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra | $649.99 | For Android users who want more smartwatch features alongside fitness tracking. | Buy on Amazon |
Apple Watch Series 9 | $392.67 | The best option for iOS users who want a mix of smartwatch and fitness tracking capabilities. | Buy on Amazon |
Apple Watch Ultra 2 | $759.99 | The best option for iOS users who want a mix of smartwatch and fitness tracking capabilities. | Buy on Amazon |
Garmin Fenix 7 | $795.00 | Offers rugged design and advanced outdoor features, expected to be similar in pricing to Forerunner 965. | Buy on Amazon |
Should You Wait for the Garmin Forerunner 975 or Buy Forerunner 965?
Conclusion: The Future of Garmin Forerunner
As we look ahead to the potential Garmin Forerunner 975, it’s clear that there’s still room for innovation in the world of running watches. Features like ECG support, improved charging options, LTE connectivity, and practical additions like an LED flashlight could take an already excellent device to the next level.
My Garmin Forerunner 975 wishlist represents what I believe would make a significant impact on the running experience. From enhanced health monitoring with ECG to the convenience of solar or wireless charging, and the added safety of LTE and an LED flashlight, these features could make the Forerunner 975 a true game-changer.
While we wait for news about the next generation, it’s worth remembering that the current Forerunner 965 is a fantastic watch in its own right. Whether you decide to pick up a 965 now or hold out hope for these wishlist features in a future 975, you’re sure to have a powerful training companion on your wrist.
What features would you like to see in the Garmin Forerunner 975? Do you think Garmin will deliver on any of these wishlist items? The world of running watches is always evolving, and it’s exciting to think about what the future might hold.
Whatever comes next, one thing is certain – the Garmin Forerunner series will continue to be a top choice for serious runners and fitness enthusiasts.
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