The wearable tech world is abuzz with speculation following the recent certification of a mysterious Garmin device by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). With Garmin having refreshed nearly all of its major product lines in recent months, attention has turned to the Forerunner series, which is overdue for an update. Tech enthusiasts and fitness aficionados alike are now analyzing the limited available information to determine if this mystery device could be the highly anticipated Forerunner 975.
The Mystery FCC Filing
On March 10, 2025, reports emerged about a new Garmin device that received FCC certification under the code "A04968". According to available documentation, this device was actually certified in December 2024, but the filing has only recently caught the attention of tech enthusiasts. The FCC certification is a necessary step for any electronic device that emits radio frequencies before it can be legally marketed or sold in the United States.
What makes this particular filing intriguing is its timing and the confidentiality surrounding it. The documentation indicates that the device is locked under confidentiality until June 17, 2025, suggesting Garmin intends to release it sometime before the summer months. While the FCC filing doesn't explicitly identify the device as a Forerunner watch, the timing aligns closely with Garmin's historical release patterns.
Garmin has become increasingly secretive with its FCC filings in recent years. Tech analysts note that the company has progressively scrubbed product names and technical details, making it harder to determine what’s coming next. This heightened level of secrecy has only fueled further speculation.
Evidence Pointing to the Forerunner 975
Several indicators suggest this mystery device could be the next iteration in the Forerunner series. The strongest evidence comes from examining Garmin’s historical release patterns:
- Garmin Forerunner 945: Released in April 2019
- Garmin Forerunner 955: Released in June 2022 (delayed due to COVID)
- Garmin Forerunner 965: Released in March 2023
Based on this pattern, the Forerunner 975 would be expected to launch between March and April 2025. With the current date being March 12, 2025, we are precisely within this anticipated release window.
Additionally, Garmin has recently updated many of its other product lines, including the Fenix, Epix, Instinct, Enduro, and Descent series. The Forerunner series, however, has remained untouched since early 2023, further suggesting a new model is imminent.
Potential Features and Upgrades
If the mystery device is indeed the Forerunner 975, what new features can consumers expect? Based on industry trends and user feedback, several key upgrades are anticipated:
1. Elevate v5 Heart Rate Sensor & ECG Functionality
The Forerunner 975 is expected to feature the Elevate v5 heart rate sensor, replacing the Elevate v4 used in the Forerunner 965. This new sensor would improve heart rate accuracy and enable ECG (electrocardiogram) functionality, which has been standard on competing wearables. ECG support would allow users to record heart rhythm activity and potentially detect atrial fibrillation (AFib), bringing the Forerunner series in line with Garmin’s Fenix 7 Pro and Venu 3.
2. Wireless Charging Support
Many users have been frustrated with Garmin’s proprietary charging cables. The Forerunner 975 is rumored to introduce wireless charging, making it more convenient to recharge the watch and aligning it with premium smartwatches like the Apple Watch.
3. Flatter Display & Durability Enhancements
Industry insiders suggest that the Forerunner 975 might feature a flatter screen design, where the display sits lower than the bezel, making it more durable and less prone to scratches. There is also speculation about the possible inclusion of sapphire glass for enhanced scratch resistance.
4. Built-in LED Flashlight & Solar Charging Return
- A built-in LED flashlight could be added, making it easier for runners to train in low-light conditions.
- Solar charging, previously seen in the Forerunner 955 Solar, may make a comeback, giving users an additional battery boost during outdoor activities.
The Curious Case of Missing Garmin Pay
Despite the compelling evidence pointing toward the Forerunner 975, one major inconsistency has emerged. According to reports examining the FCC filing, the device does not appear to support Garmin Pay.
Garmin Pay has been a standard feature across most of Garmin’s mid-to-high-end watches, so its absence is surprising. This has led some to speculate that the mystery device might not be a Forerunner watch at all—instead, it could be an Edge cycling computer or a new budget-friendly device.
However, it’s possible that Garmin Pay simply isn’t explicitly mentioned in the FCC filing. Until more details emerge, this remains one of the biggest unanswered questions.
Expected Release Timeline
Considering all available information, when can consumers expect to see this mystery device officially unveiled? The confidentiality date of June 17, 2025, provides an upper limit, meaning the device will likely launch before then.
Garmin has traditionally announced new Forerunner models in March or April, which aligns with the two-year update cycle. Based on industry analysis, a launch within the next few weeks seems likely.
For consumers considering a new fitness watch, this creates an interesting dilemma:
- Those in urgent need of a watch may opt for the Forerunner 965, which has seen price reductions ahead of a potential successor.
- Those who prioritize new features may prefer to wait a few weeks to see if Garmin officially announces the Forerunner 975.
The Broader Context of Garmin’s Strategy
Garmin has strategically refreshed its product lines in a staggered fashion, allowing each new release to enjoy a spotlight before unveiling the next. Now that other major series have been updated, the Forerunner is next in line.
This also allows Garmin to introduce technologies developed for one product line into another. Features like ECG and Elevate v5 appeared first in the Venu and Fenix series, and now they are expected to make their way into the Forerunner lineup.
The Forerunner series remains Garmin’s flagship line for runners and triathletes, prioritizing performance tracking, training analytics, and endurance sports features. Any new release will need to uphold this tradition while incorporating the latest health and training innovations.
Conclusion
While Garmin has yet to make an official announcement, all signs point to the mystery FCC-certified device being the Forerunner 975. The timing aligns with Garmin’s historical release cycles, and the anticipated ECG, wireless charging, and Elevate v5 sensor upgrades would make it a worthy successor to the Forerunner 965.
The biggest question mark remains the absence of Garmin Pay, which is uncharacteristic for a premium Forerunner model. However, this may simply be a missing detail in the FCC filing rather than a deliberate omission.
For runners and triathletes waiting for the next big upgrade, the Forerunner 975 could be just around the corner. With an expected launch in spring 2025, all eyes are now on Garmin’s next move. Will the Forerunner 975 live up to expectations? We won’t have to wait much longer to find out.