3 Garmin watches I want to see in 2026 — and top of the list is a true Forerunner 55 sequel
Garmin's cheapest watch is in dire need of an upgrade, as well as others in the range.
(Image credit: Future)
In 2025, Garmin rattled out a huge number of new models, many of them making our list of the best Garmin watches overall. We’ve seen everything from a Fenix 8 Pro with a microLED display, the Garmin Venu X1 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.
I don’t expect things to slow down in 2026 as Garmin looks to cement its position as a leader in the smartwatch space. While I don’t know what’s coming next, I think it’s fair to assume that some of Garmin’s most popular watches will be in line for an update. Hopefully some older watches will get some upgrade love too.
1. Garmin Forerunner 65 (maybe Forerunner 70?)
(Image credit: Garmin)
It’s hard to predict where Garmin will go with its model numbers at the moment, especially after launching the Garmin Forerunner 570 as the successor to the Forerunner 265. What I do know is that the Forerunner 55 is a watch that’s starting to feel a bit old next to other Forerunner watches. Whether it’s a Forerunner 65 or Forerunner 70, it’s maybe time for a new entry-level running watch from Garmin.
The excellent Garmin Forerunner 165 arguably should be considered Garmin’s most beginner-friendly watch, but it’s not exactly cheap. When the Forerunner 55 launched in 2021, it cost less than $200 / £200 / AU$400. It can now be picked up for much less than that.
I’d 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.
It doesn’t need to include all of the latest voice-enabled smartwatch features or necessarily have to pack features like maps either. I’d love to see a Forerunner 55 successor that embraces some of Garmin’s latest training and tracking smarts in a package that’s much more affordable than the options available right now. I don’t think I’d be alone in thinking this would be a good idea.
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