Garmin Unveils Next-Generation Forerunner 570 and 970 GPS Running Watches

COPENHAGEN, Denmark – May 15, 2025 – Garmin today announced the launch of the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970, the highly anticipated successors to two of its most popular GPS running smartwatches. Revealed just over two years after the introduction of the Forerunner 265 and 965, these new models promise Garmin's latest cutting-edge technology in a lightweight and stylish package. Alongside the watches, Garmin also introduced a new premium heart rate sensor, the Garmin HRM 600.

Streamlined Model Structure for Enhanced Clarity

Garmin is introducing a more logical numbering system within the Forerunner series with these new releases. The Forerunner 570 fills the gap as a distinct mid-range model, while the Forerunner 970 takes the helm as the series' most advanced offering. This revised structure aims to simplify the selection process for consumers:

• Forerunner 165: Entry-level model with essential training and health features.

• Forerunner 570: Mid-range model offering most of the top-tier features, excluding maps, LED flashlight, and certain advanced training functions.

• Forerunner 970: Premium model equipped with all training and health features, built-in maps, navigation, LED flashlight, sapphire glass, and a titanium bezel.

The Forerunner 570 caters to users seeking multisport capabilities and advanced training analysis without needing the absolute top-end model, while the Forerunner 970 delivers Garmin's best features in a lighter and more affordable package than the Fenix series.

New Features Common to Forerunner 570 and 970

Both new Forerunner models share several exciting upgrades:

• Upgraded AMOLED Display: While maintaining the same resolution, the screen brightness has been increased for superior outdoor visibility.

• Garmin Triathlon Coach Training Plans: Access free, adaptive training plans with personalized workouts based on performance and recovery.

• Custom Multisport Workouts: Create and send custom multisport workouts from Garmin Connect to the watch for seamless transitions between activity types.

• Auto Lap with Time Measurement Gates: When following a specific course, the watch automatically records lap times at designated kilometer points, regardless of the distance run, to correct measurement errors.

• Suggested Finish Line: When running a preloaded course, the watch can help automatically end the session if the user forgets to press stop.

• Race Time Prediction: The watch estimates expected race time and pace for race day.

• Voice and Audio Capabilities: Make and receive calls and use a voice assistant when connected to a compatible smartphone.

• Evening Report: Provides a summary of sleep needs and recommended training for the next day before bedtime.

• Skin Temperature Tracking: Monitors skin temperature to detect changes related to training, sleep, or health.

• Breathing Variations: Analyzes breathing patterns during sleep via Pulse Ox.

• Settings Migration: Transfer settings from an older Garmin device.

• Adjustable Font Size: Option to change font sizes on the watch.

• Focus Mode: Similar to phone "modes," create custom profiles (e.g., "Do Not Disturb," "Work," "Training") with different settings.

Exclusive Features for Forerunner 970

The premium Forerunner 970 boasts several exclusive functionalities:

• Built-in LED Flashlight: Features adjustable brightness with both white and red light options.

• Sapphire Glass: Enhanced screen durability against scratches.

• Running Economy: Evaluates running efficiency (requires Garmin HRM 600 heart rate sensor).

• Running Tolerance: Shows how much running the body can tolerate each week.

• Step Speed Loss: Indicates how much speed is lost when the foot hits the ground (requires Garmin HRM 600).

• Impact Load: Shows the additional load of a run in varied terrain compared to flat terrain.

• ECG App: The watch can record heart rhythm for signs of atrial fibrillation via built-in sensors.

Enhancements in Garmin Connect

Both the Forerunner 570 and 970 provide access to new features within the Garmin Connect app, including Triathlon Coach plans, custom multisport workouts, and automatic lap triggering at course points. Previously, Garmin Coach plans were limited to running and cycling; strength training plans were introduced earlier this year. Garmin Connect now also allows users to build structured training sessions for various activities that can be combined into a single workout.

Garmin Forerunner 570: The Advanced Mid-Ranger

The Forerunner 570, succeeding the Forerunner 265, is aimed at individuals who are serious about their training and health. It offers solid GPS accuracy, a sharp AMOLED display, in-depth training analysis, and comprehensive activity and health tracking, without the need for maps or extreme battery life.

Key Upgrades for Forerunner 570:

• ELEVATE 5 Optical Heart Rate Sensor: Garmin's latest and most precise sensor generation.

• Skin Temperature Measurement.

• Larger Screen Options: Available in 42mm (1.2-inch screen) and 47mm (1.4-inch screen).

• Upgraded Build Quality: Aluminum bezel and buttons for a more premium feel.

• Brighter AMOLED Display: Enhanced readability in direct sunlight.

• Updated User Interface: Modern menu structure similar to the Fenix 8 series.

• Built-in Microphone and Speaker: Supports voice control, voice recordings, and commands.

The Forerunner 570 maintains a lightweight design but sees an upgrade in case sizes and a more elegant aluminum bezel and buttons. The 42mm model now features a 1.2-inch screen (up from 1.1-inch on the 265), and the new 47mm model boasts a 1.4-inch screen (up from 1.3-inch on the 46mm 265). The 47mm Forerunner 570 weighs 50 grams, and the 42mm version weighs 42 grams, a slight 3-gram increase from their predecessors.

Battery life for the larger 47mm model is rated at 11 days in smartwatch mode (down from 13 days) and 18 hours in GPS mode (down from 20 hours). The smaller 42mm model offers 10 days in smartwatch mode (down from 15 days) and 18 hours in GPS mode (down from 24 hours). However, battery life in other modes has reportedly increased. This reduction might be due to the increased screen brightness.

Availability and Price:

The Forerunner 570 was announced on May 15, with pre-orders starting May 21. The price is set at €599 (approximately, converted from 6 799 NOK).

Color Combinations for Forerunner 570:

• 42mm:

  • Slate Gray Aluminum with Transparent Black/Black Band

  • Sky Blue Aluminum with Transparent Granulite/Sky Blue Band

  • Raspberry Aluminum with Transparent Bone/Mango Band

  
  

• 47mm:

  • Slate Gray Aluminum with Transparent Black/Black Band

  • Yellow Aluminum with Transparent Granulite/Turquoise Band

  • Indigo Aluminum with Transparent Purple/Indigo Band

  
  

Garmin Forerunner 970: The Ultimate Forerunner

The Forerunner 970 takes the top spot in the Forerunner lineup, building on the foundation of the Forerunner 965. It's designed for users who want Garmin's absolute best in a light and compact form factor.

Key Upgrades for Forerunner 970:

• ELEVATE 5 Optical Heart Rate Sensor.

• Skin Temperature Measurement.

• Built-in LED Flashlight.

• Sapphire Glass.

• Customizable Battery Modes.

• Brighter AMOLED Display.

• Updated User Interface.

• Built-in Microphone and Speaker.

• ECG App Support.

• Running Economy.

• Running Tolerance.

• Dynamic Round-Trip Routing: Calculates a new route if you go off-course on a route created via the "Round-Trip Course" feature.

• Virb Control Support: Control compatible Virb devices (bike lights and radars).

The Forerunner 970 retains the 1.4-inch high-resolution AMOLED display, now brighter with improved contrast for maps. The screen is upgraded from Corning Gorilla Glass DX to more scratch-resistant sapphire glass. Combined with a titanium bezel, this makes it the most robust Forerunner model to date. The size remains 47mm, with a marginal weight increase from 53 grams to 56 grams. Despite added features, the watch is 0.3mm thinner than its predecessor.

Battery life sees a change: 15 days in smartwatch mode (down from 23 days) and 26 hours in GPS mode (down from 31 hours). However, battery life in other modes has increased. The ELEVATE 5 sensor enables ECG measurements via the Garmin ECG app, a feature not available on the Forerunner 570 despite sharing the same sensor. The inclusion of an LED flashlight is a notable addition to the Forerunner series.

New Training Features (Exclusive to 970):

• Running Economy: Measures overall energy efficiency during running, using parameters like long-term running volume, stride length, and step speed loss (requires HRM 600).

• Running Tolerance: Helps understand the impact of each run on the body and recommends a weekly maximum running distance to prevent overtraining.

• Step Speed Loss: Shows how much you slow down when your foot hits the ground (requires HRM 600).

Beyond these new additions, the Forerunner 970 includes all features from the 965, such as Multiband-GPS and SatIQ technology, numerous activity profiles including multisport/triathlon support, comprehensive health and activity tracking, music streaming, and Garmin Pay.

Key Differences: Forerunner 970 vs. Forerunner 570 (excluding physical aspects):

• Built-in Topographic Maps: The 970 includes color maps with turn-by-turn navigation.

• On-Device Route Creation: The 970 allows for route creation and planning directly on the watch.

• More Activity Modes: Including golf.

• Advanced Training Features: Endurance Score, Real-Time Stamina, Heat and Altitude Acclimation, Strava Live Segments support, and better support for advanced cycling metrics.

• Exclusive New Metrics: Running Economy, Running Tolerance, and Step Speed Loss.

Availability and Price:

The Garmin Forerunner 970 was announced on May 15, with pre-orders beginning May 21. The price is set at €799 (approximately, converted from 9 249 NOK).

Color Combinations for Forerunner 970:

• Carbon Gray DLC Titanium with Black Case and Black/Transparent Granulite Band

• Titanium with Granulite Case and Granulite/Transparent Yellow Band

• Gold-Tone Titanium with French Gray Case and French Gray/Transparent Indigo Band

Garmin HRM 600

Alongside the new watches, Garmin also launched the HRM 600, a new top-tier heart rate chest strap. It builds on the legacy of previous models, incorporating new features and the best of the HRM-PRO Plus. This new sensor is required for some of the advanced running dynamics features on the Forerunner 970, such as Running Economy and Step Speed Loss.

This launch marks a significant update to Garmin's popular Forerunner series, offering refined designs, new health and training features, and a clearer product hierarchy to help athletes of all levels choose the perfect device for their needs.