The wait is finally over—the Garmin Forerunner 970 has arrived after two years of anticipation, and it brings with it a major leap in features, functionality, and futureproof design. While Garmin also announced the new Forerunner 570 and the next-gen HRM-Fit 600 heart rate strap, this breakdown is all about what makes the Forerunner 970 the most advanced GPS sports watch in the Forerunner lineup to date.
From a built-in flashlight to ECG functionality and deeper insights for runners, there’s a lot to unpack. Below are 27 new things you should absolutely know before considering your next upgrade—or strapping it on for your next PR.
1. A Built-in Flashlight:
Garmin has finally added a built-in flashlight to the Forerunner 970, and for many users, it’s one of the most practical upgrades to date. Much like the flashlight systems on the Fenix and Instinct series, this front-facing LED light features four brightness levels for the white light and a fifth red-light mode designed for preserving night vision.
You can quickly toggle it on or off by double-tapping the upper left-hand button, making it perfect for low-light runs, navigating your gear before early morning starts, or finding your way around camp in the dark. The flashlight may sound simple, but its utility becomes apparent the first time you’re stuck outdoors in fading light or need to illuminate your surroundings without pulling out your phone.
For many runners—especially those who live in areas with limited street lighting—it can be a game-changer. Garmin’s design ensures the flashlight adds minimal weight while still being powerful enough to be functional. The placement and ease of access make it intuitive to use even mid-run, and the red light is particularly effective for nighttime visibility without disturbing others. It’s also safer than relying on a headlamp alone, especially when running with others or on variable terrain.
Garmin continues to integrate practical, safety-forward features that don’t rely on gimmicks, and this flashlight proves that point.Garmin has finally added a front-facing flashlight to the Forerunner line, similar to what we’ve seen on the Fenix and Instinct models. It includes four white light intensities and one red light mode for night visibility.
2. Garmin Elevate Gen 5 Heart Sensor:
The Forerunner 970 features Garmin’s most advanced optical heart rate sensor yet: the Elevate Gen 5. This new sensor brings noticeable improvements over the Gen 4, particularly during high-intensity workouts and intervals where wrist-based heart rate tracking traditionally struggles. The increased accuracy allows users to rely more confidently on their wrist readings, eliminating the need for chest straps in many situations.
But what really sets the Gen 5 sensor apart is the addition of ECG (electrocardiogram) functionality. This medical-grade feature is available in the U.S., EU, and other select regions and allows users to detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib) right from their wrist. With a simple onboarding process via your phone, you can begin generating ECG readings, export the data as a PDF, and send it directly to your healthcare provider.
This is a massive step forward for fitness-focused wearables stepping into health monitoring territory. Not only does it make the 970 a more complete tool for athletic training, but it also empowers users to take proactive steps in monitoring heart health. This dual-use application—training and wellness—demonstrates how Garmin continues to bridge the gap between performance and health tech in a meaningful way.
The latest optical heart rate sensor boosts accuracy during intervals and high-intensity efforts. Crucially, it also unlocks ECG capability—available in the US, EU, and other supported regions.
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3. On-Wrist ECG Functionality:
One of the standout additions to the Forerunner 970 is its ECG functionality, making it the first Forerunner to include this high-grade health feature. The ECG app allows users to record an electrocardiogram directly from their wrist, a feature that was previously only available on select smartwatches in Garmin’s premium lines.
The implementation is straightforward: users walk through a short onboarding process via their phone to confirm they understand the ECG’s intended use—it’s not for detecting heart attacks, but rather for monitoring heart rhythm irregularities such as atrial fibrillation. Once setup is complete, taking an ECG is as simple as placing your fingers on the watch bezel and remaining still.
In less than 30 seconds, the watch generates a report that can be saved, viewed on your phone, and even exported as a PDF to share with medical professionals. For runners, this adds peace of mind during training—especially if you’re pushing hard and want to keep tabs on heart rhythm. For others, it’s a valuable wellness tool that enhances the Forerunner’s value beyond sport.
Combined with the upgraded Elevate Gen 5 sensor, the ECG function helps bridge the gap between sport tech and personal healthcare in an increasingly holistic approach to wearable fitness.Yes, the 970 now offers medical-grade ECG recordings. Just walk through a one-time setup on your phone, and you’ll be able to run atrial fibrillation tests and send PDF reports to your doctor directly from your wrist. Nightly Skin Temperature Tracking on the Next page…
