{"id":376817,"date":"2025-12-30T07:33:12","date_gmt":"2025-12-30T07:33:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/376817\/"},"modified":"2025-12-30T07:33:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-30T07:33:12","slug":"3-garmin-watches-i-want-to-see-in-2026-and-top-of-the-list-is-a-true-forerunner-55-sequel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/376817\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Garmin watches I want to see in 2026 \u2014 and top of the list is a true Forerunner 55 sequel"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 2025, Garmin<\/a> rattled out a huge number of new models, many of them making our list of the best Garmin watches<\/a> overall. We\u2019ve seen everything from a Fenix 8 Pro with a microLED display, the Garmin Venu X1<\/a> emerge as a direct rival for the Apple Watch Ultra, and get a brighter follow up to the Forerunner 965 in the shape of the Garmin Forerunner 970. We also got more Garmin watches with built-in flashlights, which is definitely a win in my eyes.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t expect things to slow down in 2026 as Garmin looks to cement its position as a leader in the smartwatch space. While I don\u2019t know what\u2019s coming next, I think it\u2019s fair to assume that some of Garmin\u2019s most popular watches will be in line for an update. Hopefully some older watches will get some upgrade love too.<\/p>\n

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These are three Garmin watches I hope will be ones we see and get to strap on in 2026.<\/p>\n

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1. Garmin Forerunner 65 (maybe Forerunner 70?)<\/p>\n

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\"Garmin\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Garmin)<\/p>\n

It\u2019s hard to predict where Garmin will go with its model numbers at the moment, especially after launching the Garmin Forerunner 570 <\/a>as the successor to the Forerunner 265. What I do know is that the Forerunner 55 is a watch that\u2019s starting to feel a bit old next to other Forerunner watches. Whether it\u2019s a Forerunner 65 or Forerunner 70, it\u2019s maybe time for a new entry-level running watch from Garmin.<\/p>\n

The excellent Garmin Forerunner 165<\/a> arguably should be considered Garmin\u2019s most beginner-friendly watch, but it\u2019s not exactly cheap. When the Forerunner 55 launched in 2021, it cost less than $200 \/ \u00a3200 \/ AU$400. It can now be picked up for much less than that.<\/p>\n

I\u2019d still like to see Garmin offer a more budget-friendly option in its range. Whether that means forgoing features like an AMOLED screen, I think there would be appetite for a stripped back watch that can still deliver a strong tracking and smartwatch experience. Garmin has new competition at around this price point as well. Chiefly the excellent Coros Pace 3.<\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t need to include all of the latest voice-enabled smartwatch features or necessarily have to pack features like maps either. I\u2019d love to see a Forerunner 55 successor that embraces some of Garmin\u2019s latest training and tracking smarts in a package that\u2019s much more affordable than the options available right now. I don\u2019t think I\u2019d be alone in thinking this would be a good idea.<\/p>\n

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2. Garmin Venu X2<\/p>\n

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\"Samsung\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Future)<\/p>\n

Of all the many Garmin watches that launched in 2025, the unveiling of the Venu X1 was the most surprising of them all. When Garmin launched the Fenix E as a more affordable, albeit stripped back version of the Fenix 8, it seemed to be testing the waters with a watch to go up against the Apple Watch<\/a> Ultra. Then the Venu X1 turned up, with its square look, giant AMOLED screen and slender design and we finally had Garmin\u2019s answer to Apple<\/a>\u2019s biggest smartwatch.<\/p>\n

I liked the Venu X1. It managed to pack in most of Garmin\u2019s best features. While it took some adjusting to the sheer size of it, it felt like a good addition to an already bustling Garmin range.<\/p>\n

It lacked in some areas though.. The battery performance wasn\u2019t fantastic, it missed out on features like ECG and Garmin\u2019s impressive dual-band GPS. It also lacked the LTE connectivity that Garmin later introduced on the Fenix 8 Pro.<\/p>\n

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Given the mostly positive reception the Venu X1 received, I expect Garmin to give us a Venu X2 and I hope it does. Next, I\u2019d want to see it better optimised for Garmin\u2019s latest operating system<\/a> largely built for its many round watches. Hopefully it\u2019ll get dual-band GPS and ECG upgrades, without impacting on the already slim design. Hopefully it\u2019ll get a big battery boost too.<\/p>\n

LTE connectivity would make it a stronger match for the Apple Watch Ultra 3<\/a> (or Ultra 4), especially if the focus is on using those added connectivity smarts for safety scenarios as well being able to make calls, without needing your phone nearby.<\/p>\n

3. Garmin Instinct 4\/4E<\/p>\n

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\"Garmin\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Future)<\/p>\n

The Instinct line has been an intriguing addition to Garmin\u2019s family of smartwatches. There\u2019s definitely room for a more affordable alternative to its Fenix series and the Instinct arrived with a distinctive design that set it apart from other watches.<\/p>\n

The Instinct 3 saw Garmin take a similar design approach to the Fenix, giving you the option of an AMOLED or solar display. We still got a fun-looking yet tough look, useful features like a built-in flashlight and most of Garmin\u2019s best tracking and training features.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t think the Instinct is going anywhere. While I think lacking features like maps will continue to be a big differentiator between Instinct and Fenix lines, I\u2019d like to see a new Instinct show improvements in other departments.<\/p>\n

An added LTE variant would be a sensible move, if Garmin can keep the price close to the Instinct 3\u2019s current price. Giving that colour screen touchscreen support has to be a must here. Mostly though, not forgetting what makes using an Instinct feel different to any other Garmin watch. Embracing the split display and showing how spreading stats and features across the two can make it a more intuitive watch to go on adventures with.<\/p>\n

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\"Garmin<\/p>\n

The best Garmin watches for all budgets<\/p>\n

Our top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons
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