Hold onto your running shoes—Garmin’s cooking up something fresh. Whispers of a Forerunner 975 release later this year are gaining steam, but the real star of the show (for now) might be the Vivoactive 6, which just spilled its secrets in a juicy leak.
Eighteen months is an eternity in tech years. That’s how long the Vivoactive 5 has been on shelves, and Garmin’s clearly itching to shake things up. The leaked Vivoactive 6 ditches the one-size-fits-all approach, offering four snazzy color options with matching silicone bands. But here’s the kicker: while it packs an Elevate V5 heart rate sensor and a redesigned crown-like button, it’s skipping the altimeter and ECG. Instead, runners get Ground Contact Time, Running Power, and VO2 Max metrics—because who needs heart health when you can obsess over your stride?
The Vivoactive 6 in four rumoured launch colours. (Image source: u/JinPingXi19890604)
So, what’s the deal with the Forerunner 975? Crickets, mostly. But given Garmin’s track record—Fenix 8, Enduro 3, and a flurry of updates last year—it’s safe to assume they’re not just twiddling their thumbs. The 975 could be the mid-range king of 2024, blending premium features with a (hopefully) palatable price tag.
Timing is everything. The Vivoactive 6 is rumored to drop next month, though Garmin’s playing coy with the exact date. As for the 975? Consider it the mystery box of the season—potentially game-changing, but shrouded in speculation. One thing’s certain: Garmin’s not letting Apple or Samsung steal the spotlight without a fight.
