Garmin is set to release its new running watches, the Forerunner 265 and 965, in the coming weeks

Garmin Forerunner 255

These watches will feature an Oled screen for the first time

Garmin’s timeline is seemingly picking up speed. Recently launching heart arrhythmia detection on the Garmin Venu 2 Plus, the brand may soon unveil two new running and triathlon focused smartwatches: the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965.

For several weeks, rumors have been circulating about two new mid-range watches from Garmin. The FCC recently certified two new Garmin products with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which led to increased speculation. One of the documents released by the FCC shows a screenshot of a round-shaped smartwatch.

Most importantly, to the Internet have obtained two photos of a watch that resembles the Garmin Forerunner 265, which displays the compact design of the future watch. Besides the model being identified on the back of the watch, a notable difference from the currently available Forerunner 255s can be seen in the form of a less prominent border around

Instead of the typical transflective MIP display used in the Forerunner line, Garmin appears to have chosen an Oled screen. Although this technology tends to significantly lower battery life in smartwatches, it offers a clearer display with higher contrast. Garmin has already started using Oled on its high-end watches, such as the Epix Gen 2.

However, the heart rate monitor on the back of the watch appears to be unchanged from the Garmin Forerunner 255. The charging system also still uses Garmin’s proprietary connectors. The controls are still operated through physical buttons, but the inclusion of atrial fibrillation detection, already present on the Venu 2 Plus, cannot be ruled out.

Forerunner 965 Imminent

Additionally, as Garmin has a history of launching its Forerunner 9 series alongside the Forerunner 2 series, an announcement for the Forerunner 965 is likely. According to the5krunner, it too will feature an Oled screen. Recently, the Twitter account FTTest_en posted a screenshot of the Forerunner 965 product page, suggesting an imminent release.

The rapid release of Garmin’s new Forerunner range is surprising, considering the long wait of three years between the Forerunner 245 (launched in 2019) and the Forerunner 255 (available since last summer). The Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 955 line represented a significant advancement for the company, including heart rate variability, a more accurate heart rate sensor, dual frequency GNSS GPS tracking, features specifically for triathlons, and a new barometer.

By quickly releasing its new range after the current generation, Garmin may not have many new innovations, aside from an Oled screen, which could negatively impact battery life.