Garmin OLED Displays Coming To New Forerunner Watches

Garmin has launched two new models in its Forerunner series, the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965, which feature OLED touchscreens for the first time. These midrange GPS watches are primarily aimed at runners and triathletes, who typically prioritize outdoor readability and long battery life. The always-on OLED display represents a shift from the memory-in-pixel (MIP) displays used in previous models. While OLED displays offer improved brightness and color vibrancy, they can drain the battery faster and be more difficult to read in direct sunlight.

The Forerunner 265 is available in two sizes, measuring 46mm and 42mm, while the Forerunner 965 has a 47mm case with a titanium bezel. Both models offer multiband GPS, as well as a range of training features and metrics, such as Garmin Coach, PacePro, running power and dynamics, and daily suggested workouts. They also support push notifications, Garmin Pay, and offline playlists from Spotify, Deezer, or Amazon Music. The Forerunner 965 includes additional features such as real-time stamina tracking, built-in maps, ClimbPro, and a training load ratio feature that helps prevent injury.

Despite the addition of the OLED display, the watches include Garmin’s signature five-button navigation system, and users can still lock the touchscreen during activity. Battery life will depend on usage, with the Forerunner 265S estimated to last up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and 24 hours of GPS activity. The regular 265 models is expected to last slightly less, with an estimated 13 days and 20 hours of GPS. The Forerunner 965 is rated for 23 days and 31 hours of GPS.

While the OLED display adds more visual flair to the watch faces and widgets, there is still concern over how much it will affect battery life, particularly when combined with GPS tracking. Nonetheless, Garmin has been steadily expanding its lifestyle offerings and smart capabilities in recent years, with the Venu 2 Plus adding voice assistant compatibility and FDA-cleared EKGs, and the Vivomove Trend incorporating Qi wireless charging. The Forerunner series’ adoption of OLED displays represents a continuation of this trend towards more advanced and feature-rich smartwatches. The Forerunner 265 and 265S are available now, with the Forerunner 965 expected to launch later in March.

The Forerunner 265 and 265S are available starting today. Both will cost $449.99. The Forerunner 965 is expected to arrive in late March for $599.99.