Garmin Forerunner 970 & 270 might drop any Tuesday now

Garmin’s next Forerunners are almost here. The 970 and 270 are expected to launch ahead of the AMOLED-based 975 and 275, and if Garmin sticks to form, we could be just a couple of Tuesdays away. The company has put its current range on sale, so likely wants to shift stock before the new release.

The timing fits Garmin’s usual pattern

Garmin doesn’t always follow a strict two-year release cycle, but when it comes to Forerunners, they usually stick fairly close to it. The 955 and 255 launched together in early June 2022. The AMOLED refresh followed the next March with the 965 and 265.

By that rhythm, we’re now well due for the next round. The assumption was that the 975 and 275 would show up around now, but things are pointing to the MIP-screened 970 and 270 arriving first. Yes, fans of such screens will be happy to know that despite Garmin’s gradual move to AMOLED – it is not ditching MIP altogether.

Now that we are in early May, here are the next realistic Garmin launch windows based on their usual preference for Tuesdays:

• May 6
• May 13
• May 20
• May 27
• June 3

May 6 seems unlikely. There’s been no teaser, no product listings, no accidental leaks in retail channels. Garmin usually lets at least something slip in the final week before launch, and that hasn’t happened. Having said that, sometime in May certainly feels like a realistic possibility.

The other option is early June.

These are running watches. And what could make an early June launch attractive is Global Running Day. It is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of June. In 2025, this falls on June 4. This is an event that began in 2009 as National Running Day in the United States. Since 2016, it transitioned into Global Running Day. Garmin sometimes uses such events for marketing campaigns.

A summer launch for the Forerunner 970 and 270 doesn’t really add up. Garmin usually drops these kinds of watches in spring or early summer, right when people are kicking off training plans or getting outside more.

There are clear signs a launch is close

Over the past few weeks, Garmin has filed multiple devices with the FCC. It might be a sign that something’s coming.

Then there’s the quiet mention of the Forerunner 970 on one of Garmin’s regional websites. It didn’t stay long, but someone caught it before it vanished. Add to that a Reddit post from a well-informed source who previously nailed the Vivoactive 6 prediction. That same user casually dropped the 970 into the conversation, suggesting it’s real and not far off.

If you’re expecting big surprises from the new watches you’re probably going to be disappointed. We’re likely to get the Elevate V5 heart rate sensor, along with some software upgrades. Probably not much beyond that.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! Check out our YouTube channel.