Garmin Unveils Forerunner 570 and 970: AMOLED Displays, Advanced Triathlon Features, and Built-In Audio
Garmin has expanded its acclaimed Forerunner lineup with the launch of two high-performance smartwatches — the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 — specifically targeted at runners, triathletes, and data-driven endurance athletes. The new models, announced just hours ago, introduce significant upgrades including AMOLED displays, integrated audio capabilities, and adaptive triathlon training tools.
Brighter AMOLED Displays Take Center Stage
The Forerunner 570 and 970 mark Garmin’s first Forerunner models to incorporate AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode) screens. This upgrade brings a dramatic visual improvement over the brand’s traditional transflective displays. AMOLED displays deliver rich colors, deeper blacks, and sharper contrast, allowing athletes to view metrics clearly in all lighting conditions — including direct sunlight.
Garmin states that these are the brightest AMOLED displays the company has ever used, enhancing visibility during workouts and day-to-day use. The use of AMOLED technology also contributes to energy efficiency, particularly when using dark modes, potentially extending battery life despite the higher display quality.
Built-In Speaker and Microphone: A First for Forerunner
One of the headline features is the addition of built-in speakers and microphones — a first in the Forerunner series. This hardware enables users to make and receive phone calls directly from their watch when connected to a compatible smartphone, a convenience particularly useful for athletes who want to stay connected without interrupting a workout.
Additionally, the new Forerunners support voice command functionality and text message dictation, bringing hands-free interactivity to training sessions. Audio prompts for pace, distance, heart rate, and other metrics can now play through the device’s onboard speaker, though pairing Bluetooth headphones is still advised for more immersive workout feedback.
Advanced Triathlon Coach and Adaptive Training Plans
Garmin continues to strengthen its focus on multisport athletes with the introduction of an adaptive Triathlon Coach feature. Available on both the Forerunner 970 and the flagship Fenix 8 series, this tool goes beyond static training plans. It dynamically adjusts based on real-time metrics such as VO2 Max, Training Load, Sleep Score, and Training Readiness.
The plans are highly customizable and span various race distances, from sprint triathlons to full Ironman preparation. Athletes can sync training plans via Garmin Connect or integrate third-party services like TrainingPeaks. The structured periodization — base, build, and peak — mirrors traditional elite coaching strategies, aiming to optimize endurance and race performance systematically.
However, some user feedback has highlighted frustrations with the feature’s limited device compatibility, as slightly older models like the Fenix 7 Pro remain excluded.
Performance and Usability Enhancements
Alongside these major additions, the Forerunner 570 and 970 come equipped with Garmin’s usual suite of advanced performance metrics, including:
- Real-time stamina tracking
- Recovery insights
- Training readiness scoring
- Wrist-based running power
- Multiband GNSS GPS for improved location accuracy
The Forerunner 970 is expected to include additional premium materials (such as titanium bezel options) and longer battery life, distinguishing it from the more affordable Forerunner 570 while maintaining a shared software feature set.
Market Implications
With the Forerunner 570 and 970, Garmin continues to push deeper into the premium smartwatch segment, challenging competitors like Apple and Samsung by combining lifestyle features (calls, AMOLED, voice commands) with Garmin’s well-established training depth. These launches also come amid a wider industry shift towards AMOLED displays, which have surpassed 840 million unit shipments globally in 2024 and now dominate over half of all smartphone displays.