It looks like Garmin fans are in for an exciting upgrade season. The brand, known for its robust and reliable smartwatches, seems to be gearing up for two major launches — the Garmin Venu 4 and a new budget-friendly Forerunner model. While one is being teased officially by Garmin, the other has surfaced through subtle hints in app documentation and industry leaks.
If you’re on the lookout for a new smartwatch that balances fitness tracking with smart features — and possibly at a more affordable price — these upcoming devices might just be what you’re waiting for.
Let’s break down what we know so far and what you can expect from Garmin’s next move.
Official Tease: A New Forerunner Model Is Coming
Garmin recently posted a teaser announcing that a new watch will be revealed on July 22 — that’s just around the corner. The teaser image features the silhouette of a watch, which many tech enthusiasts believe strongly resembles the classic Forerunner design.
But here’s where things get interesting:
According to trusted industry tipster the5krunner, it’s unlikely that this is simply a regional launch of an existing model — like the Forerunner 165 in China. Instead, speculation suggests it could either be:
A new, region-specific model launching in China first
Or a completely brand-new budget Forerunner that will eventually be available globally
If the latter turns out to be true, it could open the doors for more people to jump into Garmin’s ecosystem without breaking the bank — and that’s big news for fitness fans everywhere.
Is Garmin Planning a More Affordable Forerunner?
The Forerunner series has always been popular among runners and fitness-focused users, but they’re not exactly cheap. That could be changing.
Some sharp-eyed followers at Garmin Rumors noticed that the number “1XXX” appeared on the teaser image. This could indicate the price in yuan (¥) — somewhere in the 1000-1999 range. That would translate to roughly $150–$250 USD, which puts it firmly in budget smartwatch territory.
If that’s the case, this new Forerunner might become one of Garmin’s most affordable wearables, competing with smartwatches like the Fitbit Versa 4 or even entry-level Apple Watch SE models. Given Garmin’s superior GPS accuracy and health tracking, this could be a major win for consumers on a budget.
The Venu 4 Makes a Surprise Appearance
While Garmin hasn’t officially said a word about the Venu 4, it quietly made its first appearance in a place you might not expect — the documentation of the Garmin Golf app. Yup, that’s right. It was a brief mention, but enough to get fans and tech insiders buzzing.
So, what do we know about it? Not much, unfortunately. But based on Garmin’s track record and previous Venu models, we can make some educated guesses.
What to Expect from the Garmin Venu 4
The Garmin Venu series is known for its vibrant AMOLED display, smart features, and stylish design — it’s Garmin’s answer to the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch. With the Venu 3 launching last year, it makes sense that a successor is on the horizon.
Here are a few potential upgrades we might see in the Venu 4:
🌞 Brighter AMOLED Display
Expect even better visibility in sunlight, possibly with enhanced touch responsiveness.
🔦 Built-in Flashlight
Garmin has added flashlights to other recent wearables, like the Fenix 7 Pro and Forerunner 965. The Venu 4 might follow suit.
💡 Updated UI and Navigation
A more intuitive and responsive interface is likely, possibly including new gesture controls or improved widgets.
❤️ Advanced Health & Fitness Metrics
The Venu 4 could come with new health features like skin temperature tracking, sleep score improvements, or enhanced heart rate variability (HRV) analysis.
🔋 Better Battery Life
Garmin might manage to squeeze in more hours or even days of usage on a single charge — something the brand is already known for.
Why These New Launches Matter
Garmin has long been a favorite for athletes, adventurers, and fitness lovers. But the barrier for entry has always been higher compared to mainstream smartwatch brands. With these upcoming launches, that may change — in a big way.
👟 More Options for Every Budget
A budget Forerunner means new runners or casual users can access Garmin’s ecosystem without spending $400+. That’s a big step toward inclusivity.
🧠 Smarter Features in a Sleeker Design
With the Venu 4, users who want style and substance (like AMOLED displays and smartwatch functions) don’t have to compromise.
💪 Stronger Competition in the Market
More models mean more competition — which means better features and pricing for everyone. Garmin stepping up its game pushes Apple, Samsung, and Fitbit to do the same.
Tips If You’re Waiting to Buy
If you’re considering buying a new Garmin watch soon, here’s what we suggest:
⏳ 1. Wait a Little Longer
With the teaser pointing to a July 22 reveal, it’s worth holding off for just a few days.
🤑 2. Watch for Price Drops
When new models launch, older versions often go on sale — which means now might also be a great time to snag a Venu 3 or Forerunner 255 at a discount.
📱 3. Follow Garmin’s Social Media or Blog
Garmin usually posts updates directly on its social channels and blog — and if you’re signed up for their email list, you might even get early access or exclusive deals.
Conclusion: Big Things Ahead for Garmin Fans
Whether you’re a serious athlete, a weekend runner, or someone who just wants a smartwatch that actually lasts more than a day on a charge, Garmin’s next wave of devices looks promising.
The Venu 4 will likely bring the next generation of smartwatch style and substance, while the budget Forerunner could finally make Garmin’s top-tier tracking tech accessible to a much wider audience.
And with the official announcement just days away, we won’t have to wait long to find out more.
So, stay tuned — we’ll be updating this post as soon as the official details drop.
FAQs: Garmin Venu 4 and Budget Forerunner
❓ When is the new Garmin watch launching?
Garmin’s teaser points to July 22 for the reveal of the new Forerunner model. The Venu 4 doesn’t have an official date yet but is expected soon.
❓ How much will the new Forerunner cost?
If the teaser’s “1XXX” code refers to Chinese yuan, the price may be around $150–$250 USD, placing it in the budget-friendly category.
❓ Is the Venu 4 officially confirmed?
Not yet. The Venu 4 was spotted in Garmin Golf app documentation, suggesting a launch is on the way, but Garmin hasn’t officially announced it.
❓ Will the Venu 4 be better than the Venu 3?
It’s likely to feature a brighter screen, more health metrics, and possibly a flashlight — but we’ll know for sure once specs are released.
❓ Should I wait to buy a Garmin watch?
If you’re considering a Forerunner or Venu, it’s smart to wait until after the July 22 event, just in case one of these new models fits your needs better.
