Suunto Race 2 & Vertical 2 surface with new sensor tech
Suunto’s next watches are no longer hiding. Regulatory filings confirm Race 2 and Vertical 2 are on the way, and the images show both devices from every angle. This comes on top of earlier leaks suggesting Suunto was preparing new models for the UTMB ultra-trail event.
From teaser to confirmation
Just over a week ago, Suunto started hinting at a new launch. A teaser circulated through Chinese social channels, inviting athletes to test an upcoming device during this year’s Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc. That teaser showed only a shadowy outline, with no branding or specific details.
Speculation followed quickly. Two unreleased watches, Race 2 and Vertical 2, had appeared briefly in the Suunto app before being pulled. Then came a Norwegian retailer listing that named Race 2 outright, attaching a mid-August launch window and a price tag around $680.
Now regulatory documents have confirmed what those hints already suggested. The Race 2 and Vertical 2 are real, and the images included in the documentation show them in full.
Hardware upgrades front and back
Visually, both watches continue Suunto’s rugged aesthetic. The Race 2 sticks with a more compact profile, while the Vertical 2 remains larger and more feature-heavy.
One of the changes is the optical heart rate sensor. The models appear to feature a redesigned module. That hints at improved accuracy during intense activity or challenging conditions.
The documentation also reveals a new SoC – the Ambiq Apollo 510 chip. Built on the Cortex M55 architecture, this should be a more capable processor than what was found in previous Suunto models. It is likely to bring better power efficiency and enable more advanced features, although what Suunto actually delivers will only be known after launch.
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It appears the charger tech has been redesigned again. Suunto seems to be refining its approach to charging with each generation, though it remains to be seen whether this new version brings practical improvements beyond form factor.
The filings confirm stainless steel for the Vertical 2, but leave open questions about other variants or materials. There is also no mention of battery life or display upgrades.
Launch in August?
Suunto looks set to continue its strategy of targeting both performance athletes and outdoor explorers. The Race 2 and Vertical 2 will likely be positioned as premium tools for those who need durability, precision and long battery life in extreme conditions. Expect an official launch in the days or weeks ahead.
This article originally appeared on Gadgets & Wearables, the first media outlet to report the story.
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