Fitness tech enthusiasts are buzzing after Garmin quietly certified an unreleased device with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), fueling speculation that the long-rumored Forerunner 975 could be nearing its debut. The filing, spotted by industry watchdogs earlier this week, has sent waves through running and triathlon communities eager for upgrades to Garmin’s popular multisport lineup.
The FCC report (view here) details a wearable with model number IPH-04968, which aligns with Garmin’s naming conventions for past Forerunner devices. While the document stops short of confirming the product’s marketing name, it reveals critical details about its connectivity, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and ANT+ support. Notably, the filing hints at a redesigned charging port and improved battery efficiency, suggesting Garmin is refining its hardware for endurance athletes.
Rumors of a Forerunner 975 have simmered for months, with leaks pointing to upgrades like an enhanced AMOLED display, advanced training load analytics, and expanded satellite connectivity. A recent tweet from reliable leaker @fttest_en (see post) added fuel to the fire, sharing blurred images of a watch face resembling the Forerunner 965 but with a slimmer bezel and a new “Race Day Readiness” widget.
Industry analysts, including those at The 5k Runner (full analysis), speculate the device could debut Garmin’s next-gen Elevate V5 optical heart rate sensor, promising improved accuracy during high-intensity intervals. The blog also notes that the FCC filing’s test frequency range aligns with dual-band GPS, a feature athletes have clamored for to combat signal drift in urban environments.
If the Forerunner 975 materializes, it would succeed the critically acclaimed Forerunner 965 (check current specs on Amazon), which set a high bar with its vibrant AMOLED screen and comprehensive health metrics. Early adopters hope the new model will address minor gripes, such as the lack of touchscreen responsiveness during wet conditions and faster charging capabilities.
Garmin has yet to comment on the rumors, but history suggests an official announcement could arrive within weeks. The company typically follows FCC certifications with product launches within 1–2 months, putting a potential release window in late Q2 or early Q3.
For now, athletes and tech watchers alike are left parsing clues. Will the Forerunner 975 usher in a new era of smartwatch innovation, or is Garmin cooking up a surprise twist? Stay tuned—we’ll be updating this story as more details emerge.
