Garmin teases a big launch on June 1st, likely Forerunner 255 & 955 reveal

Garmin has posted an Instagram story a few hours ago on their Running account with a countdown to “Something big” arriving on June 1st. This tallies with previous leaks and rumours of an imminent Forerunner 255 and 955 launch. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the big day.


Will we see a Garmin launch event on June 1st?

Both of these watches are in Garmin’s Running/Multi-sport division. This is unlike the Fenix, Instinct, Enduro, Epix line which is in the Outdoor Recreation division.

The company typically holds product launch events on Tuesdays. However, the 1st of June is not a Tuesday – it is a Wednesday. The reason for this decision might be that June 1st is Global Running Day. A perfect platform for releasing two popular runners’ watches! So it makes logical sense.

This date also tallies with a rumour that landed on social platform Reddit a few weeks ago. A German Redditor spotted an email from Garmin on a computer screen when visiting his local tech shop. This stated that Garmin will hold a launch event for the new watches on June first.

At the time, we didn’t know how much to trust this source. But Garmin’s Instagram story is an indicator that perhaps we should. The short video clip does not reveal very much. It simply states “We’re running toward something big”. Next to that is a countdown that ends next Wednesday.

Garmin Running

And then there’s this promotional poster shared by a Redditor that was posted in China. He has added the translation of the Chinese text. You’ll spot the reference to June 1st.

Forerunner 955 promotional material

What to expect from the popular duo

It is not 100% a sure thing that we will see the new watches on the 1st, but it is pretty much a certainty that we will see them in the weeks ahead. And there’s already a lot we know about the popular duo.

Garmin Forerunner 955

Multiple pictures of the Garmin Forerunner 955 have been leaked by a retailer. This has since been removed but not before someone from Reddit saved the images. You can see them on this link.

The device is expected to come in a 45.7mm polymer body, so a bit smaller than the Forerunner 945. But a few millimetres thicker.

Apart from the “Forerunner” engraving on the side, the overall look remains unchanged. One major improvement is that the display will be touch enabled. Presumably, you will be able to switch the functionality and or off – as per your preference. The screen size looks like it is 1.3 inches. Another improvement over its 1.2 inch predecessor.

Essential readingTop fitness trackers and health gadgets

Battery life will be 15 days between charges, so one day more that on the 945. There will also be a Solar edition of the watch which will be able to keep going for about 20 days between charges.

As far as functionality, we are expecting most of the health and fitness features to make their way over from the Fenix 7. This is in addition to something called a Training Readiness Score and HRV Status.

Both are recovery metrics designed to let you know how ready you are to face another day of training. HRV Status in particular sounds useful as it will, reportedly, measure your HRV during the night and compare it to your average from the past 7 days as well as your baseline average. Recovery stats are all the rage these days and Garmin does not want to be left behind.

Also worth a mention is Race Widget. This contains race-related training tips, estimated finish times, daily suggested workouts and more.

Running Power functionality will arrive, too. But it requres a Garmin Dynamics Running Pod or a compatible chest strap to work. So its not a stand-alone solution many have hoped for.

Other improvements are expected in the form of the latest sensors. The watch is also expected to come with multi-frequency GNSS which should help with sattelite signal accuracy.

Garmin Forerunner 255

The Forerunner 255 will come three years after the launch of its predecessor. Unlike the 955 which will be available in only one size, this one will be available in two sizes. The larger 255 will likely come in a 47mm body with a 1.3 inch display, while the 255s is expected to pack a 42mm case and 1.2 inch display. Both will come in a Music and non-Music variant.

Images of the Forerunner 255 can be seen on this link. Once again, a retailer has jumped the gun.

Some of the Forerunner 955 new functionality will be part of the feature-set of this popular watch. This includes HRV Status, Race Widget and Running Power. Real-time Stamina from Fenix 7 will, reportedly, not be part of the feature-set.

Of course, you’ll also get the latest generation sensors and multi-frequency GNSS. This is in addition to an altimeter which is something the 245 lacks.


How much will the watches cost?

Garmin’s Forerunner range has a very loyal following. This is because the devices are quality made and pretty accurate. I’ve been holding on to my Forerunner 935 ever since it was released back in 2017. It is still works just as well as it did five years ago. But it might be time for a change and I’m planning to upgrade to the 955 when it comes out.

There’s no definite word on prices. However the retailer listings give some sort of idea. Whether these turn out to be accurate remains to be seen.

  • Garmin Forerunner 955 – $500
  • Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar – $700
  • Garmin Forerunner 255 – $350
  • Garmin Forerunner 255 Music – $400
  • Garmin Forerunner 255s – $350
  • Garmin Forerunner 255s Music – $400

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Ivan Jovin

Ivan has been a tech journalist for over 7 years now, covering all kinds of technology issues. He is the guy who gets to dive deep into the latest wearable tech news.

3 thoughts on “Garmin teases a big launch on June 1st, likely Forerunner 255 & 955 reveal

  • bugs in garmin model list with $$$ 255 not 245!!!

    Reply
      • New Forerunners are available on Garmin site in US! I just ordered my 255.

        Reply

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