Garmin Forerunner 275 – buy the 265/265s now or wait for a potential 275/275s?
The next generation of Garmin’s running watches is due in the first half of 2025. We will likely see a Forerunner 975 (FR975), Forerunner 275 (FR275) and Forerunner 275s (FR275s), with a Forerunner 175 (FR175) added later.
Looking at the 275/275s, this article will highlight the risk of waiting for a watch that hasn’t yet been leaked, let alone released, against the attraction of a likely feature bump.
Expected: Garmin Watches and Bike Computers this Year
What Is The Forerunner 275, and When Will It Be Released?
The Garmin Forerunner 275 will be priced as Garmin’s mid-range running-cum-triathlon watch at $450-$500, replacing the current Forerunner 265. It also comes in a smaller size, which, ignoring Fenix, also makes it the ‘top’ triathlon watch in that size.
More: Garmin Forerunner 265 Review
The earliest release month is March 2025 as the triathlon season kicks off; perhaps more likely, it will be Q2.2025, but no later than 4 June 2025 (Global Running Day). For context, here is the release history:
- Forerunner 245: Released in May 2019 (slightly after 945)
- Forerunner 255: Released on 1 June 2022 (released with 955 on Global Running Day.)
- Forerunner 265: Released on 2 March 2023 (released with 965)
- Forerunner 275/275s: likely released March 2025 (to be released with forerunner 975) $450-$500
A prediction for the headline change going forward
Garmin has to take the Forerunner range to a new level over and above what is offered by the trickle-down of existing features from other watches – which we will also see.
I suspect the new strategic move on the product design will be related to social/group abilities and communication abilities. I see both those feature areas as ones that bind existing customers to the Garmin ecosystem, resisting pulls to upgrade to Apple’s hardware or many other brands like Coros that leverage Strava’s platform.
Product Models, Formats or Alternative New Products
FR275 and FR275s are likely new models to be announced with those names—just those two.
Whilst the top-end Forerunner (975) might appear in variations other than 975 (965 Pro, 965s, etc), the FR275/275s is far more predictable.
Broadly, How Will The Forerunner 275 be differentiated from other Forerunners?
FR965 and FR265 are currently differentiated regarding hardware quality, screen size, case materials, and software features. As this table implies, the replacement product formats will probably be unchanged and in line with these existing models.
| Feature | Forerunner 965 | Forerunner 265 (265s) | Forerunner 165 |
| Lens Material | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Chemically strengthened glass |
| Bezel Material | Titanium | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| QuickFit® Band Compatibility | Yes (22 mm compatible) | No | No |
| Quick Release Bands | No | Yes (22 mm, industry standard) | Yes (20 mm, industry standard) |
| Physical Size (mm) | 47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 | 46.1 x 46.1 x 12.9 s=41.7 x 41.7 x 12.9 (mm) | 43 x 43 x 11.6 |
| Weight | 53 g | 47 g (s=39g) | 39 g |
| Display Size | 1.4″ (35.4 mm) diameter | 1.3″ (32.5 mm) diameter 1.1″ (28.1 mm) diameter | 1.2″ (30.4 mm) diameter |
| Display Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels | 416 x 416 pixels 360 x 360 pixels | 390 x 390 pixels |
| Memory/History | 32 GB | 8 GB | 4 GB |
I expect very little of that to change materially for FR975, FR275, and FR175.
Let’s discuss the exceptions…
As before, FR975 and FR275 will retain SatIQ and get a subtly different GNSS chipset that adds BEIDOU and QZSS, plus Elevate 5 optical HR ECG.
The only spanner in the works for this argument is that Garmin kept Elevate Gen 4 on its second tier of outdoor watches – INSTINCT 3. FR275 may be seen as the second tier, getting the same short shrift; if so, this will likely also mean that FR275 will not get maps, especially as it will share a similar price point to Instinct 3 – i.e. Garmin’s strategy might be that no watch under US$500 will get maps going forward.
Battery life is also a notable differentiator of the Forerunner line. Still, I suspect that is more of a result of the case size rather than a conscious limitation by Garmin. However, battery life will be improved. It’s nearly always improved as more efficient components are added!
Whilst the bezel material, QuickFit compatibility, and all sizes will be materially the same, we could see a tweaking of the display size of the FR275s – as the 265s has a very small display. Interestingly, the FR965 has the biggest AMOLED display packed into a medium-sized case, which it achieved with thinner bezels. A comparable tweaking of the FR275s bezel might allow a 390x390px display to squeeze in. Probably not.
Memory might also change. Even if we assume that FR275/275s do NOT get maps, they will still have music, and the 8Gb is a bit stingy, so perhaps a bump to 16Gb. Maps warrant 32-64Gb of storage, especially as Garmin adds new heatmaps and similar niceties based on mapping.
We may see a new microphone and speaker if the FR975 gets the same. I contend that Garmin must make its more expensive watches as smart as possible and more open to supporting communication.
Maps?
No.
Are you sure?
Yes.
If Instinct 3, priced at the same level, didn’t get maps, why would the FR275?
Dismissing the crazy ideas
There will not be a large-size FR275x, a MIP alternative, LTE (5G Redcap), a flashlight, inductive buttons, or similar craziness.
FR275 may get a boost in lens material to the DX version of Gorilla Glass, but I doubt it, as that would mean that FR975 would need to come with sapphire as standard, which I don’t think will happen.
FR275 will not see any wholly new hardware whatsoever. There won’t be a radically improved GNSS chip, a new iteration of Elevate 6, or AMOLED Solar.
Expect a boring hardware spec bump all around. Sorry 🙁
Software Differences
The Forerunner range’s current models differ due to software capabilities. Currently, FR965 almost has the entire range of Garmin features, but FR265 lacks maps, several sports profiles, and most of the physiology features. FR165 is further restricted, lacking triathlon and many of the advanced competencies of swimming, cycling and running that the FR265 has.
The New Garmin User Interface
I expected every new Garmin watch to have the latest Fenix interface. The interface begins to address a strategic Garmin weakness – usability. I was very surprised to see that Instinct 3 lacked this.
I hope that FR975 and FR275 will both get the new interface.
Sports Profiles
I expect little change here. But some change, nevertheless.
FR275 won’t support golf, automotive, skiing, and niche performance sports like cyclocross, but it will support most ‘normal’ fitness sports, such as triathlon. By contrast, FR175 (when it comes) will be very much restricted to supporting running sport profiles; it is essentially a competent running watch above all else.
Sports & Wellness Features
Some new features will trickle down from the old FR965. Perhaps we will see climbPro Ascent Planner, Jet Lag Advisor, and advanced cycling features like FTP added to FR275. However, to keep a distance from the top-end model, features like stamina, endurance score, hill score, and heat acclimation will remain missing.
Group and Social Features
I expect to see added
- Strava Live segments
- Garmin Live Segments.
- Make calls and send texts via voice (requires improved mic/audio)
- Built-in speaker/microphone (requires improved mic/audio)
- BLUETOOTH phone calling and voice assistant support (requires improved mic/audio)
- Voice command (requires improved mic/audio)
- Spectator Messaging
- Group LiveTrack
This is a contentious prediction as the FR275 will get features nearly new to the Garmin stable. (And secretly, I think Garmin is too conservative to do it)
If Garmin doesn’t add that, what else will it add to make the FR275 different from the FR265? It’s going to be yet another release where there are too many older, discounted garmin products that represent far better value.
Pricing
Garmin is not renowned for lowering its retail prices for replacement models. So it’s…
$450-$500
As we saw with the Instinct 3 launch, loyal Garmin customers don’t necessarily complain about the prices but rather the lack of features. Would you pay $500 for a mid-tier watch without maps or the latest Gen 5 oHR? Maybe it also lacks the newest interface? It’s not long ago that those prices were for the premium models.
Should I wait?
I’m certainly waiting for the FR975, and I’m hesitantly excited about it. But I’m unsure if I can recommend you wait for the FR275. I think it will be underwhelming and probably with quite a few initial bugs.
Sure, you could wait until the FR275 is launched and buy the current FR265, as its price will fall then. That’s a good idea. But as far as the new feature boosts, all that would attract me would be an improved CPU (for faster operation) and a new user interface (if it has it). That’s it for me.
However, if you are one of the following types, then it might be worth the wait to see what exact features are included.
- Interested in group metrics, and social communication & competition – no guarantees, but it could be nice to have these.
- Interested in more advanced non-running metrics like cycling
- Maps – you are holding out for maps (don’t hold your breath…it will be bad for you)
- You want a newer device that you plan to have for several years and want the feature upgrades that will come with that – yep, good idea.
the5krunner.com © 2010-2025
Reader-Powered Content
This content is not sponsored. It’s mostly me behind the labour of love, which is this site, and I appreciate everyone who follows, subscribes or Buys Me A Coffee ❤️ Alternatively, please buy the reviewed product from my partners. Thank you! FTC: Affiliate Disclosure: Links pay commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Are we finally going to see name changes to the forerunner line to much Garmin other line up?
975 = Forerunner Pro
275 = Forerunner
175 = Forerunner E
that would make WAY too much sense…so no 😉
remember also that the pro moniker is for a next-gen device
we also don’t know how they are going to name the next gen product eg next gen “E”
What is so different in fenix 8 interface that it improves so significat usability? I see just minor changes.
it is different, less key presses and more intuitive
it is not that significantly different i agree but it is better and it does need more work for usability as i have said elsewhere
The new line of Garmin watches from the 8 series reflects the entire stagnation in features, there are no new ones and there is no point in buying a new 275 for $500, you can buy for this price right now a 955, which will have everything! for some reason I’m disappointed in Garmin, especially in the software, it would be better if they didn’t release new watches, but the guys said we’ll remove all the errors so that the watch just works, especially the heart rate monitor! Personally, I would be forced to change the watch to the next generation, the screen increase is 1.4, but damn Garmin is such a redneck, the size of the watch is up to 50 mm, the clarity of the screen is like in Instinct 3 Solar, maps, integration of all dials from all watches, is Garmin so pathetic? In fact, Garmin came to the conclusion that the 900 and 200 lines have the same functions and rested on their own developments! Stagnation! There are no new features, no one is investing in development
I don’t understand at all why there aren’t new, clearer MIP 1.5 or 1.4 320×320 and 300×300 screens? Can’t they do anything? and Dear author, tell me, is it just me or has Garmin changed its developers? The software has become terrible
Dear Anton
garmin has lots of developers.
more bugs are certainly being reported. idk if garmin is being more transparent or if there are more bugs.
imho the software when seen holistically as a system, bugs aside, is becoming better every year (I’m not a gamrin fan per se, just trying to be objective)
MIP – simply MOST people prefer AMOLED…not everyone…but most
agreed the ‘sports’ features are stagnating.
partly thats why the ui changes and my suggestions on the group/social/comms side of things is important to add something a little more than a new processor (which we don’t see), a new GNSS chip (that makes no difference), and maybe the smae elevate hr sensor
I agree, so far the next Gen Garmin watches were somewhat disappointing. Since the F6, I have been upgrading every time a new generation came out. This time, it’s all blah and meh. The F8 is expensive but not much better then the 7 Pro, the I3 gives you a shiny screen (I am a big AMOLED fan btw) but nothing else…oh I forgot, a legacy HR sensor. I have very little hope that the Forerunner will be any different. If they would at least get the flashlight…but I doubt it.
There is no new hardware in sight, apart from mircoled displays in the near future, and software wise we haven’t seen much in quite some time. I am a huge Garmin fan and heavily invested in their ecosystem, but I hope they don’t lose momentum by producing “mediocre” (= not especially innovative) products. Well, money saved money earned….
BTW…your mock-up picture looks pretty good…maybe the FR 285 could look like that…
it took about 10-seconds on dall-e. my first and last attempt…YES , I was quite pleased with it as well. did the job and avoids giving the impression it is the real thing (which it isn’t)
I currently have an Apple Watch 8 and want to upgrade to a Garmin FR for marathon training this year.. given we are end of January, would you recommend waiting for a potential 275 before June or going for the 265 now?
I outline the reasons, above.
It depends what exactly you want.
Apple Watch is fine for marathon training. Personally I’d save my money and get Stryd plus a decent chest strap HRM and use those with your apple watch. Use stryd’s marathon plan
It’s more for the battery life – I don’t trust my Apple Watch for long runs etc… how confident do you feel that a forerunner 275 would come out in the first half of this year? Thanks btw!!!
very confident
Even though you dismissed it as a crazy idea I still have some slight hope for a MIP forerunner since all of the recent releases contained MIP and OLED variants. Also the technology has quite matured compared to what we had in the past.
As much as I like the oled screen on my current watch I’d gladly switch to a modern MIP display. A smaller Enduro 3 would be the perfect watch for me.
I’d take a bet on this one 🙂
Hear me out:
– Forerunner 275 / 975 E (MIP)
– Same price as OLED
– Outdated / missing sensors
– Limited SW features
– No one buys it
– Surprisee Pikachu faces at Garmin HQ 😮
– End of the line for MIP
Sounds about right? But jeah I would’t bet on it 😀
I think readers here (me included) all share a certain worldview that chimes nicely with what you say. There is logic in what you and I say.
but…
Logically Fenix 8 made little sense…yet it sold by the bucketload and garmin’#s share price soared (ish)
I suspect it might not be right to compare what is happening in fenix/instinct with the model realignment to what will happen with Forerunner (a different internal team). so i think they will remain different but there would be logic to standardising what the company does.
I would also take a bet on Forerunner 975/275/175 lacking a MIP option – but i could be wrong.
There are no meaningful improvements to be made anymore and nothing that justifies spending over £400 in a running watch. Certainly not Amoled lol
Tempted to get another 255 or 955 before stock runs out. I know I won’t miss out on anything by not getting a new model.
“There are no meaningful improvements to be made anymore and nothing that justifies spending over £400 in a running watch.” .. yep, kinda.
in terms of pure sports features that seems true. I suspect there will still be a new wave of metrics driven by new physiological sensor types. not this year tho.
I was hesitating and considering a 955 or 965 to replace my Epix (1st gen…) but I decided that I’m not ok with Garmin’s general price increase over the years. In the end I went with a Coros Pace Pro.
955 is a good deal to consider at the moment. The Garmin 955 is available at $399 at the moment on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4h6J4U4. Only slightly more expensive than Pace PRO but with FAR superior features, admittedly not the beautiful AMOLED screen that the Coros has for $350 https://amzn.to/40GtmJt
Garmin’s price policy is annoying but clever. It penalises thaose (like me) who want new tech, and we have to pay a premium for it. However previous gen models soon become price competitive with Polar/Suunto/Coros
Coros has a very rigid price policy even rarely offering a Black Friday discount. That is easy to understand.
Hi. Here is a 50-year-old (almost) runner and cyclist who followed the Forerunner 9 series from its origin 910-920-930-945-955-955-955… (previously I had flirted with other Garmins, with Suunto and Polar). They do NOT bring anything new to those of us who do not want to be influencers, we want to train and perform with more tools, with more technology, with more clarity in our training-performance choices. Suunto did a great job with the dynamic determination of thresholds, Garmin must react.
I agree with your sentiment.
That said, each new feature will be liked or loved by someone.
As I’ve pointed out many times: at these prices, many buyers want a watch they can wear 24×7 and that needs aesthetics and smart features.
Touche, good point. But don’t forget that from a business perspective those of us who buy Garmin don’t buy Rolex or Omega; if they do well, we change every two years (I haven’t put money in their account for four years; stuck on the 955, I see no reason for anything new).
Okay I am currently using the FR235. Yes I know very very outdated. I am looking at the price point for FR265 for the past weeks (giving up at one point since it was on 449, BUT today it has gone down from 449 to 434. Now should I really be waiting for the FR275, or do you think just going with the slightly cheaper discounted F265 is already a good upgrade for me?
When can we expect an announcement of release date. How much notice do Garmin typically give ? Hoping for a March release.
release dates follow daily and weekly and yearly patterns…it’s the month bit that harder to predic
this has most up to date info that factors in patterns (longer term) and then the types of leaks as release date draws closer
https://the5krunner.com/2025/01/21/new-garmin-watch-model-leaks-2025/
How likely do you think a wireless battery will be for the 275?
10% change maybe ie unlikely
Given Garmin say they will stop doing security updates in March 2nd for the 265, do you think that indicates when the 275 could be released?
possibly yes.
I don’t quite understand many of the nuances as models become replaced or reach a certain age. Other changes that happen are linked to releases of Garmin Express close to launch dates. Again, I know there is a pattern I jsut don’t understand the timing logistics. what’s probably happening in that case is that new products are simply added into the catalog of products Express can recognise
Flashlight for runners is must have in all new models !!!,
no one other runs as much in dark as runners.
I agree it has obvious uses for runners.
fenix/Instinct are in a different division within garmin and i’m not convinved the fitness/runnign side of the business see a flaslight as important enought to design around.
I’ve had the original Apple Watch SE for four years and it’s getting very old, with awful battery now. I’ve found I barely use it for smartwatch features since I’m always on my phone and instead want a longer-lasting, more training-focused watch as I’ve started running a lot more and also want sleep tracking. You can’t really track sleep on an Apple Watch since you need to charge it each night. The Forerunner 265 seams great for my needs, but it doesn’t have the new HR sensor and has somewhat slower tech. I liked the Venu 3 as well, but it doesn’t have the training readiness which is a key reason I’d switch over to Garmin and will help motivate me to run more and get up to a marathon. Do you think it’s worth sucking up my awful SE for a few more months until the 275 comes out?
yes! as per this artcile I expect a 275 fairly soon.
of course a newer Apple Watch has fast charging. you can get enough for a night of use whilst cleaning your teeth in the evening
Apple has more accurate sleep stats.
Hm, I do like the Apple ecosystem, and if it charges that fast that’s enticing, but I do really like Garmin’s readiness and training plans versus having to pay for a bunch of third party apps on Apple for the same functionality. I’ll hold out and decide when it comes out then. Maybe I’ll stick with the Apple Watch.