# Garmin Forerunner

The text version of the iDevice Guide at https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap. Same data as the page, last updated 2026-10-08.

> Garmin's running watch line, on sale since 2003. The latest Forerunner news, and how the models compare.

- Status: On sale
- List price: $249.99 (The maker's own starting price.) Source: [garmin.com](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/sports-fitness/light-up-your-run-with-the-garmin-forerunner-165-series-easy-to-use-gps-running-smartwatches-with-vibrant-amoled-displays/).
- Released May 15, 2026 (source: [Garmin Newsroom](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/sports-fitness/run-further-with-forerunner-70-and-forerunner-170-from-garmin/))
- Guide: https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap
- Last updated: 2026-10-08

## Key specs

| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.99 | [garmin.com](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/sports-fitness/light-up-your-run-with-the-garmin-forerunner-165-series-easy-to-use-gps-running-smartwatches-with-vibrant-amoled-displays/) |
| Display | 1.2-inch AMOLED, 390x390 | [garmin.com](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/compare/?compareProduct=1055469&compareProduct=775421) |
| Battery | Up to 11 days | [garmin.com](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/compare/?compareProduct=1055469&compareProduct=775421) |
| Weight | 39g | [garmin.com](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/compare/?compareProduct=1055469&compareProduct=775421) |
| Water rating | 5 ATM | [garmin.com](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/compare/?compareProduct=1055469&compareProduct=775421) |
| Size | 43 x 43 x 11.6mm | [garmin.com](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/compare/?compareProduct=1055469&compareProduct=775421) |

## Can it do this?

- **How long does the battery last?** It runs 16 hours with every satellite system switched on, 23 hours on GPS alone, and 28 days in low power mode with the tracking off. Everyday use with a few workouts in the week lands around 13 days, so the mode you train in decides which of those numbers you actually get. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#can-how-long-does-the-battery-last))
- **Does it measure blood pressure?** No. It does not have a blood pressure feature, so it cannot give you cuff-style blood pressure readings. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#can-does-it-measure-blood-pressure))
- **What does it cost?** It costs $249.99. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#can-what-does-it-cost))
- **Does it read blood glucose?** No. It has no glucose sensor, so it cannot measure your blood sugar itself. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#can-does-it-read-blood-glucose))
- **Does it have GPS?** Yes, it has its own GPS, so it records your route with the phone left at home. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#can-does-it-have-gps))
- **Can it get wet — shower, pool, swimming?** Yes. It is rated to 5 ATM with a stated depth of 50 metres, which covers pool swimming and the shower. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#can-can-it-get-wet-shower-pool-swimming))
- **Does it work with my phone?** Yes. It works with an iPhone or an Android phone, so you are not locked to one phone platform. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#can-does-it-work-with-my-phone))
- **How big is the screen?** The screen measures 1.2 inches across, giving you a compact display for workout and watch data. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#can-how-big-is-the-screen))
- **How heavy is it?** It weighs 40g, light enough that you stop noticing it on a long run. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#can-how-heavy-is-it))
- **How does it connect?** It connects over Bluetooth. There is no Wi-Fi, so a sync goes through your phone rather than straight to your home network. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#can-how-does-it-connect))
- **What kind of screen is it?** It is an AMOLED, so it stays readable in daylight and dims right down at night. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#can-what-kind-of-screen-is-it))
- **Does it take an ECG?** No. It has no ECG, so it will not record a trace you could show a doctor. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#can-does-it-take-an-ecg))
- **Does it measure blood oxygen?** Yes. It reads blood oxygen optically, which is an estimate of saturation rather than a medical reading. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#can-does-it-measure-blood-oxygen))
- **Does it track heart rate?** Yes, continuously from the wrist, and that is a real measurement rather than a modelled score. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#can-does-it-track-heart-rate))

## Works with

Works with iPhone and most Android phones, but iOS blocks text replies from the watch.

- **Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Strava?** Works. Activities sync to Strava after you link the accounts. Source: [Garmin](https://support.garmin.com/en-HK/?faq=4uYoMd5zEt22rg0iehnro9). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#q-strava))
- **Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with iPhone?** With a limit. Works with iOS 18.2 or later, but watch text replies don't work. Source: [Garmin](https://support.garmin.com/et-EE/?faq=pvL8aWsaLU2iKyvF8VrpP9). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#q-iphone))
- **Which iPhones do Garmin Forerunner watches work with?** With a limit. They work with every iPhone that runs iOS 18.2 or later, from the iPhone XR on. Source: [Garmin](https://support.garmin.com/et-EE/?faq=pvL8aWsaLU2iKyvF8VrpP9). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#q-which-iphones))
- **Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Android?** Works. Works with Android 9 or later on most compatible phones. Source: [Garmin](https://support.garmin.com/et-EE/?faq=pvL8aWsaLU2iKyvF8VrpP9). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#q-android))
- **Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Apple Health?** With a limit. Syncs through Garmin Connect on iPhone, not from the watch itself. Source: [Garmin (Apple App Store listing)](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/garmin-connect/id583446403). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#q-apple-health))
- **Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with fitness equipment and wireless sensors?** With a limit. Works with compatible ANT+ and Bluetooth sensors. Apple GymKit isn't verified. Source: [Garmin](https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/GUID-1E3CECCF-0343-431C-95F0-5716E0341C75.html). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#q-fitness-equipment-sensors))
- **Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Samsung phones?** Works. Works with compatible Galaxy phones on Android 9 or later. Source: [Garmin](https://support.garmin.com/en-IE/?faq=XW4TwGAinJ2juGDNiANMt8). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#q-samsung-galaxy))
- **Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with MyFitnessPal?** Works. Syncs with MyFitnessPal through Garmin Connect. Source: [Garmin (Apple App Store listing)](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/garmin-connect/id583446403). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#q-myfitnesspal))
- **Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Natural Cycles?** Works. Natural Cycles lists the Forerunner 970 as compatible. Source: [Natural Cycles](https://help.naturalcycles.com/hc/en-us/articles/11992156471709-Which-wearable-devices-are-compatible-with-Natural-Cycles). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#q-natural-cycles))
- **Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Health Connect?** Works. Yes. Garmin Connect syncs your Forerunner activity and wellness data to Health Connect on Android 14 and later. Source: [Google (Android Developers)](https://developer.android.com/health-and-fitness/community/newsletters/2025/08). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap#q-health-connect))

---

Source: iDevice (https://idevice.com). Every spec, rumor and grade above links to where it came from. Full Guide: https://idevice.com/smart-watches/garmin-forerunner/roadmap. This file: https://idevice.com/guide-text/garmin-forerunner.md.

## Questions and answers

### Using it

**What does it cost?** It costs $249.99. That is the list price. Source: Garmin

**Does it measure blood pressure?** No, it does not measure blood pressure. Source: Garmin

**Does it read blood glucose?** No, it has no glucose sensor. Source: Garmin

**Does it have GPS?** Yes, it has its own GPS. It works without your phone. Source: Garmin

**Does it work with my phone?** Yes, it works with an iPhone or an Android phone. Source: Garmin

**How big is the screen?** The screen measures 1.2 inches. Source: Garmin

**How heavy is it?** It weighs 40g. Source: Garmin

**How does it connect?** It connects over Bluetooth. Source: Garmin

**What kind of screen is it?** It is an AMOLED screen. The pixels light themselves, so blacks are deep and it can dim to almost nothing. Source: Garmin

**Does it take an ECG?** No, it does not take an ECG. Source: Garmin

**Does it measure blood oxygen?** Yes, it measures your blood oxygen. Source: Garmin

**Does it track heart rate?** Yes, it tracks your heart rate. Source: Garmin

**Does it track HRV?** Yes, it tracks your HRV. Source: Garmin

**Does it track sleep stages?** Yes, it tracks your sleep stages. Source: Garmin

**Does it read skin temperature?** No, it does not read your skin temperature. Source: Garmin

**Does it count steps?** Yes, it counts your steps. Source: Garmin

**Does it do contactless payments?** No, it has no NFC. Source: Garmin

**Does it have a screen?** Yes, it has a screen. Source: Garmin

### Sizing and fit

**What sizes does it come in?** 47mm case; sapphire lens and titanium bezel. Source: Garmin

### Battery and charging

**How long does the battery last?** It runs 16 hours with every satellite system on. That is 23 hours with GPS only, and 28 days in low power mode. Source: Garmin

### Water

**Can it get wet — shower, pool, swimming?** Yes, you can shower and swim in it. It is rated to 50m, and for snorkelling. Source: Garmin

### Price and models

**When did the Garmin Forerunner come out?** It went on sale May 15, 2026. Announced May 12, 2026. Source: iDevice

**Is there a newer one?** No. The Garmin Forerunner is the current model. Source: iDevice

**How much does the Garmin Forerunner cost?** List price: From $749.99. Source: Garmin

### Works with

**Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Samsung phones?** Works with compatible Galaxy phones on Android 9 or later. Works Source: [Garmin](https://support.garmin.com/en-IE/?faq=XW4TwGAinJ2juGDNiANMt8)

**Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with MyFitnessPal?** Syncs with MyFitnessPal through Garmin Connect. Works Source: [Garmin (Apple App Store listing)](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/garmin-connect/id583446403)

**Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Natural Cycles?** Natural Cycles lists the Forerunner 970 as compatible. Works Source: [Natural Cycles](https://help.naturalcycles.com/hc/en-us/articles/11992156471709-Which-wearable-devices-are-compatible-with-Natural-Cycles)

**Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Health Connect?** Yes. Garmin Connect syncs your Forerunner activity and wellness data to Health Connect on Android 14 and later. Works Source: [Google (Android Developers)](https://developer.android.com/health-and-fitness/community/newsletters/2025/08)

**Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Pixel and other Android phones?** Works with most compatible Android phones on Android 9 or later. Works Source: [Garmin](https://support.garmin.com/et-EE/?faq=pvL8aWsaLU2iKyvF8VrpP9)

**Can you connect Garmin Forerunner watches to a Mac?** Garmin Express works on Macs with macOS 13 or later. With a limit Source: [Garmin](https://support.garmin.com/es-ES/?faq=4QVp7mKSIA1LDk5fc1OHX8)

**Can you connect Garmin Forerunner watches to a PC?** Garmin Express works on PCs with Windows 10 or later. With a limit Source: [Garmin](https://support.garmin.com/es-ES/?faq=4QVp7mKSIA1LDk5fc1OHX8)

**Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Spotify?** Downloads Spotify music with Premium, but only plays saved tracks. With a limit Source: [Garmin](https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/GUID-8702C05F-0915-455A-AABA-079D8374FCD8.html)

**Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with Garmin Connect without a paid subscription?** Garmin Connect works without a paid Connect+ subscription. Works Source: [Garmin](https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/GUID-AA356C1E-94FB-4E7E-B7F5-042F134AA86D.html)

**Do Garmin Forerunner watches work with third-party apps like Strava?** Some do, but not every service runs as an app on the watch. With a limit Source: [Garmin](https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=FzRNKmYZNt1iKa118RJYAA)

**Do Garmin Forerunner watches support phone notifications and replies?** Notifications work on iPhone and Android, but watch replies are Android-only. With a limit Source: [Garmin](https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=FzRNKmYZNt1iKa118RJYAA)

**How does it charge?** Uses Garmin's charging cable with USB-C or a 5 W or higher adapter. With a limit Source: [Garmin](https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/GUID-7F71C5D0-26C1-40E3-AD73-D233BEAC659A.html)

**Do Garmin Forerunner watches support tap-to-pay?** Uses Garmin Pay with supported banks and cards. With a limit Source: [Garmin](https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/GUID-109340CD-8504-4FA8-9E70-83A071C6CC86.html)

**Do Garmin Forerunner watches support cellular or LTE?** Has no cellular or LTE radio. Doesn't work Source: [Garmin](https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/GUID-DEC2B782-96E8-4287-8C8A-5907CC9D3B35.html)

**Do Garmin Forerunner watches support phone voice assistants?** Works with supported phone voice assistants over Bluetooth. Works Source: [Garmin](https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=B0n9YwrwMg4j7yEgevIWgA)

**Do Garmin Forerunner watches support ECG and other advanced health features?** ECG works in supported regions with watch software 5.02 or later. With a limit Source: [Garmin](https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=YbmyGU4a0tAoZOxVy9doaA)

**Does it work with older Garmin bands?** Works with compatible 22 mm QuickFit 22 bands. Works Source: [Garmin](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/610827/pn/010-13008-00/)

**Do Garmin Forerunner watches support satellite SOS?** Needs a separate Garmin inReach device and active subscription. Needs extra hardware Source: [Garmin](https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-025D75CF-3445-49E1-8D81-1AA74AB4E00F/EN-US/GUID-DEC2B782-96E8-4287-8C8A-5907CC9D3B35.html)

**How does it help find a lost watch?** Find My Device works while the watch is still connected. With a limit Source: [Garmin](https://support.garmin.com/en-IE/?faq=jp2Q6RidNz2gT8ND3TahH9&topicTag=region_lostorstolendevices)

**Do Garmin Forerunner watches support the same features and languages in every region?** Some features, including ECG, depend on your country or region. With a limit Source: [Garmin](https://support.garmin.com/en-IE/?faq=XW4TwGAinJ2juGDNiANMt8)

**Do Garmin Forerunner watches support family setup or a kids mode?** Partly, through a child account, not a full kids mode. With a limit Source: [Garmin](https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=HzFDo1em6s0Ss9FFJMFSV5)