Garmin may be just days away from unveiling a new running smartwatch, and early signs are already popping up online. A device listed as the Garmin Forerunner 170 has appeared at a retailer, sparking fresh speculation that a successor to the popular Forerunner 165 is right around the corner.
The Forerunner 165 launched in February 2024 and quickly became a go-to option for runners who want Garmin fitness tracking and GPS performance without jumping to the brand’s higher-priced models. Now, an online store called Garmin Hub is already showing the Forerunner 170 in multiple color options, including a black and yellow version and a white and light blue variant. As with past Garmin releases, the second color likely points to the included watch strap rather than a fully two-tone case.
While the listing doesn’t reveal a price, release date, or detailed specifications, it does describe the Forerunner 170 as a new smartwatch and indicates it can be pre-ordered. Adding to the buzz, additional retailer-style references have reportedly been spotted elsewhere online, and there are hints from recent activity data that suggest a well-known fitness tech reviewer may be testing an unreleased Garmin watch near the company’s headquarters in Kansas. On their own, each clue might not mean much—but together, they paint a picture of a product that’s close to launch.
Of course, early listings and leaks can sometimes be inaccurate, so it’s smart to treat this as unconfirmed until Garmin makes it official. Still, the growing number of references suggests the Garmin Forerunner 170 is more than just a rumor.
What’s still unclear is how Garmin plans to upgrade the Forerunner 165 formula. The current model is built around a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED display and is advertised with up to 11 days of battery life. It includes built-in GPS and a strong set of running-focused tools and workout modes, but Garmin kept costs down by leaving out hardware features like speakers and microphones, ECG support, and cellular modem options.
If the Forerunner 170 is indeed coming soon, the biggest questions will be whether Garmin improves battery life, adds new training and recovery metrics, boosts GPS performance, or upgrades the display and sensors—all while keeping the Forerunner line’s more affordable appeal. For runners and fitness fans who have been eyeing Garmin’s AMOLED models but want something that balances price and performance, the next few days could bring some very interesting news.
